USS Abraham Lincoln Departs Mideast After Record Extended Deployment

The USS Abraham Lincoln departed the Middle East after an extended deployment, heading home to San Diego.

The aircraft carrier's tour of duty began in late November last year and was originally scheduled to end in May, but was repeatedly extended due to its participation in the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. The vessel now holds a modern US Navy record for the longest consecutive, uninterrupted period at sea, with roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard and more than 260 days spent largely without port calls.

The Japan-based USS George Washington arrived in the Middle East to replace the Lincoln. The deployment was reportedly plagued by supply and maintenance issues, including inoperative toilets, washing machines, and showers, with bathrooms covered in mildew and black mold. Reports also cited disgusting food, portion sizes suggesting a starvation diet, and shortages of hygiene products like soap and shampoo.

Crew members' families raised alarm over collapsing morale, burnout, and mental health issues, with several crew members reportedly attempting suicide by jumping overboard. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao acknowledged a small number of mental health cases on board that were treated with no loss of life. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth dismissed concerns raised in the media as completely misrepresented.

US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for Hegseth's immediate dismissal, stating he was completely incompetent. President Trump responded that there were no problems and the deployment wasn't nearly long enough.