The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group sailed into its Southern California homeport Thursday to cheering crowds of family members waving American flags, ending a record-breaking 10-month deployment to the Persian Gulf. The ship spent 321 days on deployment, the second-longest since the Cold War ended.
The most striking number from the mission is 265 days at sea without a single port visit, the longest stretch in U.S. Naval history. The only deployment longer in total duration was completed earlier this year by the USS Gerald R. Ford, which returned after 326 days covering Europe, the Caribbean and the Middle East.
The USS Abraham Lincoln deployment was defined not just by its length but by intense combat operations tied to the war with Iran. The carrier launched thousands of aircraft from its flight deck over the course of the mission. USS Abraham Lincoln’s record deployment reports confirmed that the deployment was also marked by dwindling supplies and reports of deteriorating conditions aboard the vessel.
The toll on the crew was significant. The Navy acknowledged eight suicide attempts among the Lincoln strike group since the extended deployment began, according to a letter Acting U.S. Navy Secretary Hung Cao sent to Congress. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied reports of deteriorating conditions, but he boarded the ship Wednesday as it made its way toward San Diego and addressed the crew directly.
“I realize I’m the only thing standing between you and home,” Hegseth told the crew. He acknowledged signing the orders to extend the deployment twice, saying, “I plead guilty, A., because of the incredible effectiveness that you showcased on the battlefield and the necessity. But also B., the mission required it, and C., because President Trump had full faith that you would deliver on behalf of the American people, and you did.
Sailor Mackayla Morris captured the crew’s exhaustion simply. “We have been holding on for dear life just to get through this deployment,” she told reporters. Information systems technician Precious Amada Aguirre called it “a very tough deployment” and said it was the hardest mission she had been on.
Capt. Dan Keeler, the Lincoln’s commanding officer, said the crew was ready to come home but acknowledged the mixed emotions of the final day. “They’re excited to see their families, and at the same time, on the last day of school, they’re going to say goodbye to the air wing,” Keeler said. He added that he knows his crew is ready for its homecoming.
Among those reuniting with family Thursday were nearly 60 fathers meeting their newborn babies for the first time. Sailor William Aduloju, who helped launch thousands of flights from the carrier’s deck, summed up his pride plainly: “I was here from the start to the end. At least I know I launched every bird off this deck.”
The Lincoln crew will now begin a period of leave and recovery after one of the most demanding deployments in recent Naval history. Share your thoughts on the crew’s return in the comments below or on social media.
