USS Abraham Lincoln Returns to California After Nearly a Year at Sea
Thousands of sailors and Marines are reunited with loved ones after a record-setting deployment in the Middle East.
The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln returned to its homeport at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, California, on Thursday, concluding a deployment of 321 days. The mission marked an extended stay in the Middle East amidst operations related to the conflict with Iran.
Hundreds of family members and friends gathered on the pier to welcome approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines. The event was marked by emotional reunions, American flags, and signs as the carrier arrived.
The crew spent more than 280 days at sea without a port call before stopping in Thailand in September. For some families, the return marked the first time meeting new additions to their families.
Approximately 50 babies were born during the deployment and were present to meet their fathers for the first time. Sailor Brent Ledbetter expressed his excitement to NBC News about holding and playing with his son, who was born shortly before the deployment began. "He’s crawling around now, so I’m excited to chase him around the house and give him all the love that, that, you know —have been kind of withheld for the last 10 months. I’m so excited."
The Lincoln's deployment was originally scheduled to end before summer, but it was extended in January to patrol the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. A second extension was added due to the ongoing conflict.
Reports emerged during the extended deployment concerning the crew's well-being, including struggles with mental health, instances of self-harm, and shortages of food and water. In August, Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, visited the carrier. He acknowledged the crew was "tired" after the lengthy mission but emphasized their continued readiness.
"I was blown away by this strong group of high-achieving Americans standing tall with justified pride in everything they have accomplished," Cooper wrote in The Wall Street Journal. He also noted the reality of the situation, stating he saw "the reality of more than 260 days at sea with more than 150 days in a combat zone, while speaking with sailors in spaces most guests don’t see."
Cooper also commended the crew for their performance in deterring Iranian actions and conducting missions aimed at weakening the Islamic Republic's military capabilities.