‘It’s been hard'’: families await the return of the USS Abraham Lincoln

Families are eagerly awaiting the return of the USS Abraham Lincoln, a record-breaking US aircraft carrier that has been deployed for nearly 250 days at sea. The ship's journey has been anything but routine, as it was diverted to the Middle East after the United States launched a war against Iran in late February. Since then, the Lincoln and its crew have been involved in combat operations, engaging in "arguably the most intense combat at sea the navy has seen" since World War II, according to Adm Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command. The air wing of the carrier carried out hundreds of "decisive strikes" on IRGC targets.

The deployment has been marked by numerous challenges, including prolonged hours at sea, disruptions to regional supply routes, and deteriorating conditions onboard the ship. Some families have reported that their loved ones have gone weeks without communication, with limited access to letters and care packages. Compounding the difficulties, reports emerged in April of poor-quality meals, prompting the US navy to deny claims of food shortages.

By August, families expressed growing concerns over shortages of food and basic supplies, plumbing problems, and the mental health of the crew. Two sailors reportedly attempted to take their own lives during the deployment, raising fears about the strain the situation had placed on both the service members and their families.

As the Lincoln prepares to dock in San Diego, the toll of the deployment has become increasingly apparent. The strain of the long, intense deployment has been evident in the deteriorating mental health of some sailors, who have reported feelings of isolation, exhaustion, and a sense of losing themselves. The situation has become a flashpoint in the contentious debate over the war, with some families and veterans warning that the length and intensity of the deployment have taken a significant toll on those serving onboard and their loved ones.