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USS Lincoln heads home after extended deployment to the Middle East
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- The USS Abraham Lincoln is returning to San Diego after an extended nine-month deployment in the Middle East supporting U.S. operations against Iran, having been at sea for over 250 days without a port visit since December.
- The USS George Washington has arrived in the Middle East to replace the Lincoln, beginning its own deployment in the region.
- Reports from crew relatives describe deteriorating conditions aboard the Lincoln, including limited food supplies, lack of hot water, delayed mail, and concerns over mental health, although U.S. officials and CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper have downplayed these issues.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump dismissed concerns about the deployment length and conditions, with Trump stating the deployment was "not nearly long enough."
- The Lincoln's deployment was extended beyond the typical six to seven months due to ongoing conflict with Iran, resulting in a historic period at sea without port stops, which has contributed to the reported hardships faced by the crew.
