The USS Abraham Lincoln, the US aircraft carrier that has been deployed for nearly a year, is scheduled to dock in San Diego on Thursday afternoon. This marks the end of a deployment described as "one of the most operationally intense and consequential of the modern era," characterized by a record stretch at sea, repeated deployment extensions, and troubling reports of supply shortages and deteriorating morale among the crew.
Deployment Overview
The Lincoln left San Diego last November, initially bound for the Pacific. However, it was redirected to the Middle East following the US and Israel's military actions against Iran that began in late February. The carrier remained in the region until late August, when it was relieved by the USS George Washington and began its journey home.
Conditions Aboard
Earlier in August, the Lincoln's deployment faced scrutiny as reports surfaced about poor living conditions aboard the ship. Key issues included:
- Shortages of supplies and water
- Plumbing problems
- Low morale
- Worsening mental health among the approximately 5,000 personnel on board
Concerns escalated when two sailors reportedly attempted to jump overboard, prompting outrage from Democrats and concern among families and military health experts. In response, Pete Hegseth, the US defense secretary, labeled the reports as "completely misrepresented." When asked about the length of the deployment, Donald Trump remarked, "Not nearly long enough," a comment that angered some naval families.
