USS Lincoln Sailors Receive Emotional Welcome

The USS Abraham LincolnUSS Abraham LincolnUS Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier brought roughly 5,000 sailors and MarinesMarine Corpsmaritime land force service branch of the United States Armed Forces back to its San Diego home port on October 8 after a 321-day deployment. The carrier left in November for the Pacific, then was redirected to the Middle East to support U.S. operations against Iran. Families and sailors described shortages, ship-service problems and worsening mental health; the NavyNavymaritime branch of the United States military confirmed eight suicide attempts in the strike group. The ship’s commander said conditions stayed within normal carrier ranges, with needed meals, supplies and mental-health access. Defense Secretary Pete HegsethPete HegsethUnited States Secretary of Defense visited before the return, awarded the strike group the Presidential Unit Citation and defended its mission. The homecoming included new fathers meeting babies born while they were deployed.