The aircraft carrier U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln returned to San Diego on Thursday after a near-record 322-day deployment supporting the Iran war, during which its crew faced food shortages and mental health struggles. Families gathered on the pier with signs, flags, and emotional reunions, many arriving before dawn to welcome sailors in white summer uniforms. The ship’s arrival sparked thunderous cheers as it entered San Diego Bay and docked shortly after 3 p.m. Eastern.
Family members described the emotional toll of limited communication and isolation. Lashonda Jones shared how she sent Bible verses and motivational texts to her 20-year-old son, Jaysean, a boatswain’s mate. Eduardo Morales, 21, was among the first to disembark to meet his 5-month-old son Emmanuelle, born during the deployment, whom he had not yet held. His wife, Legna Morales, said giving birth alone while he was away had been “really hard.”
The deployment began Nov. 21, 2025, and included a brief stop in Guam before logistical crises emerged after Iran destroyed the U.S. Navy’s hub in Manama, Bahrain. With supply lines shifted to Diego Garcia, 2,200 miles away, the Lincoln’s crew endured shortages of food, fuel, and supplies. Families reported meager meals and lost care packages, which Navy officials initially downplayed. Acting Secretary Hung Cao accused reporters of portraying sailors as “victims,” but later acknowledged eight sailors in the strike group had attempted suicide, one jumping overboard. President Trump dismissed concerns, saying the deployment had not been “nearly long enough.”
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing