USS Abraham Lincoln returning to San Diego after deployment

SAN DIEGO — The USS Abraham Lincoln is heading home to San Diego after an extended deployment that kept its sailors at sea for more than 240 consecutive days without a port stop and put the aircraft carrier at the center of U.S. combat operations against Iran.

The homecoming comes amid scrutiny over conditions aboard the carrier. The Military Times has reported that several sailors attempted to jump overboard during the deployment, while The New York Times and MSNOW have raised concerns from families about supplies and conditions aboard the ship.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has pushed back against suggestions that the carrier lacked necessary resources and has praised its crew for their service.

Four members of San Diego’s congressional delegation have asked Hegseth to investigate conditions aboard the Lincoln. Rep. Scott Peters said sailors deserved more support from the administration.

For families in San Diego, the ship’s return will end months of uncertainty.

Joe, whose 25-year-old son serves aboard the Lincoln, said his family was initially told to expect a deployment of about six months. But when the carrier was redirected toward waters off Iran in January, the length and scope of the mission changed. 

Joe asked that only his first name be used to protect his family’s privacy and respect Navy operational security.

He said communication with his son has been limited, but his son has disputed some reports about conditions aboard the ship.

The USS George Washington is now traveling to the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, clearing the way for its crew to return home after a deployment that began in November.

As families prepare for reunions, mental health professionals caution that returning home can bring its own challenges.

Kristen Corkum, a therapist at the San Diego Center for Children, which provides counseling to military families, said children and caregivers can experience conflicting emotions when a service member returns. Excitement can exist alongside anger over the long absence, while returning sailors may also need time to adjust to life at home.

Joe expects his son will need that time. He hopes his older son, who has also served in the military and experienced deployment, can help his younger brother decompress.

After months of waiting for brief messages and updates from sea, Joe is now preparing for his son’s return and the adjustment that comes next.