US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln on Wednesday, acknowledging that their deployment had been challenging. The carrier is set to dock in San Diego after a record-breaking 260 days at sea without a port call.
Deployment Overview
The USS Abraham Lincoln left San Diego in November 2025, initially heading for the Pacific. However, following the outbreak of war between the US and Israel against Iran in late February, the carrier was redirected to the Middle East to support operations in the region. This extended deployment resulted in over 250 consecutive days at sea, setting a new navy record.
Concerns Raised
Reports of supply shortages and deteriorating mental health among the crew have circulated for months. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, described the deployment as "one of the most operationally intense and consequential of the modern era." Concerns escalated when it was reported that two crew members attempted to jump overboard due to the stressful conditions.
