USS Abraham Lincoln to return home after extended West Asia combat mission

The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is set to return home after a 266-day deployment, with an additional 200 days spent in combat zones, according to Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao. The lengthy deployment has raised concerns over sailors' morale and mental health, prompting inquiries from members of Congress and their families.

Cao emphasized that the ship's return to the United States is part of a planned rotation and that crew welfare remains a top priority. The carrier was redirected to West Asia due to the demands of the ongoing war with Iran, now in its sixth month, which began in its sixth month. Since leaving its home port in San Diego last November, the USS Abraham Lincoln has carried out over 10,000 missions and dropped 1.5 million pounds of ordnance.

Despite the challenging conditions, including meal plan adjustments and restricted calls home during high-threat periods, the ship's crew has maintained high morale, with no loss of life reported. While some sailors received treatment for mental health issues, Cao rejected the idea of the sailors as victims, highlighting their resilience throughout the deployment. The USS Abraham Lincoln's return is expected to be marked by a Hero's Welcome for its crew.