USS Abraham Lincoln scheduled to dock in San Diego after harrowing stretch at sea

Key Points:

• The USS Abraham Lincoln, a US aircraft carrier deployed for nearly a year and heavily involved in military operations against Iran, is scheduled to dock in San Diego on Thursday, marking the end of a highly intense and extended deployment.
• The deployment saw record time at sea with multiple extensions and was marred by reports of supply shortages, plumbing issues, and deteriorating morale and mental health among the roughly 5,000 crew members, including two reported suicide attempts.
• Despite criticism from Democrats and concerns raised by military families, senior officials including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Adm Brad Cooper defended the deployment, with Hegseth calling it a "righteous and historic mission" and announcing a presidential unit citation for the crew.
• Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao acknowledged eight suicide attempts among the Lincoln’s strike group during the deployment, prompting calls from lawmakers like Rep. Sara Jacobs for investigations and hearings to address the conditions and prevent future crises.
• Blue Star Families, a nonprofit supporting military personnel and families, welcomed the sailors home and announced plans for appreciation events in San Diego to support the crew and their families during the transition.