The US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in San Diego on Thursday, marking the end of a record-breaking 265 consecutive days at sea. The vessel had been deployed since November 2025, initially operating in the South China Sea before being rerouted to the Middle East to support operations against Iran that commenced in February 2026.
Ahead of the ship's return, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the carrier on Wednesday to bestow the Presidential Unit Citation upon the crew, recognizing it as the highest military honor granted to a unit. During his visit, Hegseth addressed public discourse surrounding the deployment, specifically rejecting characterizations of the ship as a symbol of dysfunction, low morale, or a failed mission.
The deployment drew significant national attention following reports highlighting crew stress, mental health challenges, and shortages of essential food and hygiene supplies. While the Navy initially downplayed these concerns, officials later acknowledged specific operational difficulties, including limited resupply opportunities that resulted in reduced meal options for the sailors on board.
Regarding the mental health of the crew, the Navy informed lawmakers that eight sailors had attempted suicide during the duration of the 10-month mission. Military experts noted that this figure is considered relatively low for a strike group composed of approximately 6,000 personnel over such an extended period.
