Play store
The USS Abraham Lincoln, carrying around 5,000 sailors and Marines, is returning to the United States after more than 260 days at sea amid growing concerns over crew fatigue, mental health and poor living conditions.
The aircraft carrier had been deployed for an extended period because of the US military campaign against Iran and escalating tensions in West Asia.
US Navy Acting Secretary Hung Cao said the ship had successfully completed its mission and would soon return home as part of a planned rotation.
The prolonged deployment reportedly involved shortages of supplies, spoiled food, moldy showers and deteriorating mental health among some crew members.
Families of sailors have also raised serious concerns about conditions aboard the carrier.
The USS Abraham Lincoln left San Diego on November 21, 2025.
It was initially scheduled to operate in the South China Sea but was later redirected to West Asia after US-Israeli military operations against Iran began on February 28.
