The USS Abraham Lincoln is returning to San Diego after a grueling nine-month deployment in the Middle East.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is returning to its home port of San Diego after a nine-month deployment in the Middle East. The aircraft carrier, which served as a primary vessel during the war against Iran launched by President Trump, faced deteriorating conditions that left the crew of 5,000 sailors and Marines exhausted. Reports indicate that sailors were forced to endure moldy showers and rationed supplies while working to long hours. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the Navy's management of the vessel, stating that reports of dire conditions were misrepresented. The administration announced that the USS George Washington would replace the Abraham Lincoln in the region. The ship's journey home is expected to take four to five weeks. The deployment was extended beyond the original seven-month estimate, leading to some mental health concerns among the crew. The Navy will maintain a presence of 20 warships in the Middle East to ensure continued operations.