Key facts
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged the USS Abraham Lincoln's deployment "wasn't easy" as it prepares to dock.
- The USS Abraham Lincoln set a navy record by spending over 260 consecutive days at sea without a port call.
- Eight service members from the Lincoln and its strike group attempted suicide during the deployment, according to Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao.
- Hegseth announced the crew would receive the presidential unit citation for "extraordinary heroism."
- The carrier was redirected to the Middle East to support US operations in the war on Iran.
- Reports of supply shortages and deteriorating mental health emerged over the summer.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln on Wednesday that their deployment "wasn’t easy," as the carrier prepares to dock after setting a navy record of over 260 consecutive days at sea without a port call. Hegseth's remarks come as the vessel returns to San Diego later this week, following a mission that has drawn scrutiny over reported supply shortages, deteriorating mental health, and suicide attempts among the crew.
Hegseth sought to downplay concerns, condemning "a few folks in the media" for attempting to portray the deployment as a "symbol of dysfunction." He acknowledged signing orders to extend the crew's service twice, stating, "I plead guilty." He announced that the sailors and marines onboard would receive the presidential unit citation for "extraordinary heroism."
The USS Abraham Lincoln, with approximately 5,000 personnel, departed San Diego in November 2025 for the Pacific. However, its mission was rerouted to the Middle East in late February to support US operations in the war on Iran. The extended deployment disrupted regional resupply routes and traditional port hubs, contributing to the record-setting time at sea. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, described the mission as "one of the most operationally intense and consequential of the modern era."
During the deployment, reports emerged of shortages in food and basic supplies, alongside concerns about crew morale and mental health. In response to questions from Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand last month, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao acknowledged that eight service members from the Lincoln and its strike group had attempted suicide. Hegseth had previously dismissed earlier reports of issues as misrepresentations.
President Donald Trump, when asked in August about the deployment's length, stated, "Not nearly long enough," a comment that reportedly upset some naval families. Democratic lawmakers have called for greater accountability and detailed plans from navy leaders to protect sailors' mental health during future extended deployments.
The USS Lincoln was eventually relieved by the USS George Washington. As the Lincoln heads home, the USS Theodore Roosevelt has been dispatched to the Middle East. Navy officials have stated they are implementing measures such as increased supplies and improved family communication to prevent similar issues in future deployments.