USS Abraham Lincoln Returns After 266-Day Deployment

The USS Abraham Lincoln is set to return to its home port of San Diego after a record-setting 266-day deployment, Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao announced on August 15, 2026. The announcement follows intense scrutiny from lawmakers and family members over reported deteriorating conditions and a mental health crisis among the crew. The aircraft carrier, which departed San Diego on November 21, 2025, has spent more than 200 consecutive days in a combat zone supporting the war against Iran, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026.

The prolonged deployment, which included enforcing a naval blockade near Iran, has been described by some family members as leaving sailors in a "floating metal prison." Reports from families and some crew members have cited severe shortages of food and basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing issues, and moldy living quarters. Several sailors have reportedly attempted to go overboard, with the Navy confirming one sailor was recovered from the sea in early August and received medical care. Family members have also reported disruptions to the mail system and limited calls home during periods of heightened operational threat.