US Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln Returns Home After 266-Day Deployment

The US Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is set to return to the United States after completing a 266-day military deployment in West Asia. The carrier spent around 200 days in a combat zone during the mission.

Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Kao said the carrier will return soon as part of a planned military rotation. He also said the safety and well-being of the sailors remain a top priority.

The long deployment has raised concerns over the mental health and morale of the crew. According to reports, sailors faced difficult conditions, including limited access to fresh food and restricted communication with their families during periods of heightened military threats.

Kao said a small number of sailors received treatment for mental health issues during the deployment. However, no deaths were reported during the mission.

The carrier reportedly conducted more than 10,000 aircraft sorties and used more than 1.5 million pounds of ammunition during its deployment.

USS Abraham Lincoln departed San Diego in November last year and was later deployed to West Asia as part of US military operations. Kao praised the sailors and their families for their resilience throughout the lengthy mission and said the crew deserved a hero’s welcome upon returning home.