USS Lincoln Returns After Record 322-Day Deployment

The USS Abraham Lincoln docked at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego on Thursday, completing a 322-day deployment that became the second longest for a U.S. carrier since the Vietnam War. The ship departed in November 2025 and was rerouted to the Middle East to support strikes against Iran and enforce a naval blockade under Operation Epic Fury.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the carrier Wednesday to award the Presidential Unit Citation, the highest unit honor, for 40 days of combat operations. Hegseth acknowledged the crew's sacrifice, telling sailors he was "the only thing standing between you and home."

“I'm the only thing standing between you and home.”

The extended deployment drew national scrutiny after reports detailed severe supply shortages, including food and hygiene products, moldy showers, and broken bathrooms. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed eight suicide attempts across the strike group during the mission.

President Donald Trump dismissed concerns over the deployment length in August, stating it was "not nearly long enough." Following pressure from military families and lawmakers at an August town hall, Navy leaders accelerated the carrier's return by several months.

Among the first to disembark were 64 fathers meeting their infants for the first time. Families traveled from across the country for the homecoming, though base access delays caused frustration for many waiting to reunite with loved ones.