USS Abraham Lincoln returns home after record deployment - following concerns about conditions on board

A US Navy ship on which crew members reportedly experienced "serious and deteriorating" conditions has returned home following a record deployment in the Middle East. 

The USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in San Diego on Thursday after more than 10 months at sea, including a record 265 consecutive days without a port call.

Concerns had been raised by family members of those on board about the conditions on the vessel, with reports of supply shortages, water contamination and mental health issues.

Last month, acting navy secretary Hung Cao revealed in a letter to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York that eight crew members had attempted suicide since the beginning of the deployment.

In the letter, Mr Cao addressed Ms Gillibrand's concerns that conditions and supplies on the 5,000-strong ship were "serious and deteriorating".

A typical deployment lasts six to seven months, and includes regular stops.

Donald Trump previously downplayed the impact of being at sea for a prolonged period, insisting the deployment was "not nearly long enough" when asked if he thought it was excessive.

The USS Abraham Lincoln had departed the US in November. The deployment was initially supposed to end in May, but was extended after the start of the Iran war in February.

The ship had stopped in Thailand and Guam before heading to California after it was relieved by the USS George Washington.

The USS Abraham Lincoln's total deployment of 322 days was just shy of the 326-day deployment for crew on board the USS Gerald R Ford, which returned home in May.

The return of the USS Abraham Lincoln was marked by a rapturous reception and emotional reunions.

Sailors stood on the carrier's deck as it approached San Diego Bay, where cheering families gathered at the dock to welcome them.

The navy said that 122 crew members, including those from the carrier's air wing, were fathers meeting their babies for the first time.

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On Wednesday, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth arrived on the ship to give the crew the Presidential Unit Citation - the highest honour a unit can receive and typically reserved for significant achievement in combat.

Mr Hegseth told the crew that "what makes the US military and the US Navy and all these sailors different is that you adapt and that you're resilient and you overcome - you finish the mission nonetheless".

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

(c) Sky News 2026: USS Abraham Lincoln returns home after record deployment - following concerns about cond