USS Abraham Lincoln returns to San Diego after 265 straight days at sea, food shortages and reports of deteriorating morale

The USS Abraham Lincoln has returned to San Diego after a record-breaking 265-day deployment at sea, with reports of crew morale issues and supply shortages, including food and hygiene products. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the ship on Wednesday to award the Presidential Unit Citation, the highest honor for military units, emphasizing the crew's resilience and adaptability in overcoming the challenges faced during the mission.

The Navy had initially downplayed concerns about the crew's mental health and supply issues, but later acknowledged the existence of problems. The Lincoln and its strike group carried out 3,693 combat missions, delivered over a million pounds of ordnance, and assisted in numerous other operations during the mission against Iran.

Eight sailors attempted suicide during the deployment, a number deemed low in comparison to the size of the crew. The Abraham Lincoln now joins the USS Gerald R. Ford as the second carrier to receive the Presidential Unit Citation for its extended deployment in support of the Iran war.