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USS Lincoln nearly home after more than 300 days at sea
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- The USS Abraham Lincoln, with about 7,500 personnel, is set to return to San Diego after more than 300 days at sea, marking the end of a prolonged deployment initially extended due to the Iran war.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged personally extending the deployment twice, recognizing the strain on the crew awaiting their return home.
- The ship experienced significant mental health challenges during the extended deployment, with at least eight reported suicide attempts among service members, though no deaths by suicide occurred.
- Family members expressed serious concerns over morale and mental health, describing the situation aboard as deeply distressing and likening it to a "scene out of 'American Horror Story.'"
- Despite initial Navy statements denying an increase in suicidal behavior, a letter to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand revealed that suicide attempts involved personnel across multiple units, including the air wing and escorting destroyers.
