World
USS Abraham Lincoln Completes 322‑Day Deployment, Returns to San Diego
The United States aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has returned to its home port at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California, after a 322‑day deployment that included a record 265 consecutive days at sea. Crew members were welcomed by family and friends upon arrival. 20‑year‑old Abel Ramirez told The Associated Press that the return felt amazing and that his parents had driven from Texas to meet him. He said he had once thought he might never come off.
The long deployment has become a focal point for criticism of the U.S. war effort against Iran, which began in February and has no clear end in sight. Reports highlighted deteriorating conditions on board, including food shortages and a series of reported suicide attempts by crew members. The Pentagon’s chief, Pete Hegseth, praised the sailors and accused the media of portraying the ship as a symbol of dysfunction or low morale.
President Donald Trump and his administration have frequently criticized the media for coverage of the war. Trump described the reporting about the USS Lincoln as “fake news” and, in an Oval Office meeting on August 17, said the ship had been out for a “good period of time” and was “beautifully maintained and taken care of.” He later remarked that the deployment was “not nearly long enough.”
Public opinion polls show low approval of the war. A Pew Research Center poll released on Thursday found that 65 percent of Americans disapproved of Trump’s handling of the war, compared with 33 percent who approved.
Since the war began, Iran has disrupted commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for fuel, fertilizer, and other goods. Sailors returning home on the USS Lincoln expressed relief at the prospect of fresh meals and time with their families. Alma Solano Velez said her husband, a service member on the ship, had listed foods he had been craving during his 10‑month deployment—oxtail, barbecue chicken, broccoli, and shrimp empanadas—and had spoken about the lack of food and showers. He looked forward to seeing their four‑year‑old daughter.
Frequently asked questions
How long was the USS Abraham Lincoln's deployment?
The carrier completed a 322‑day deployment, including a record 265 consecutive days at sea.
What conditions were reported on board during the deployment?
Reports highlighted food shortages and a series of reported suicide attempts by crew members.
What did President Trump say about the USS Abraham Lincoln's deployment?
Trump described the reporting as “fake news,” said the ship had been out for a “good period of time” and was “beautifully maintained and taken care of,” and later said the deployment was “not nearly long enough.”