USS Abraham Lincoln Returns to San Diego After 321-Day Iran War Deployment
SAN DIEGO, UNITED STATES — WEB DESK: The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln returned to its home port in San Diego on Thursday, October 8, completing a 321-day deployment that included military operations during the US-Israeli war against Iran.
The Nimitz-class carrier arrived at Naval Air Station North Island after spending 265 consecutive days at sea without a port visit, setting a US Navy record for uninterrupted time at sea.
The deployment involved approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines, reflecting the scale of personnel required to operate the aircraft carrier and support its military mission.
The vessel originally departed San Diego in November 2025 for operations in the Pacific Ocean. It was later redirected to the Middle East after the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28, 2026.
During its deployment, the carrier strike group supported Operation Epic Fury, the US military campaign involving operations against Iranian targets.
A day before the carrier returned, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the vessel at sea and presented its crew with the Presidential Unit Citation, one of the US military’s highest collective honours.
The award recognised the carrier strike group’s role in the operation and the demands placed on its personnel during the extended deployment.
Addressing the sailors, Hegseth praised their performance and rejected suggestions that the carrier had become a symbol of declining morale.
His remarks followed reports during the summer alleging shortages of food and basic supplies, alongside concerns about the mental health and wellbeing of some crew members.
The reported difficulties drew attention to the strain associated with prolonged naval deployments, particularly when personnel remain at sea for months without scheduled port visits.
The carrier’s return comes as the wider Middle East conflict continues to raise concerns about maritime security and commercial shipping.
Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted shipping activity, while reports of attacks and possible naval mines have increased uncertainty for vessels operating in Gulf waters.
The USS Abraham Lincoln’s arrival in San Diego marks the end of an unusually lengthy mission for its crew, but it does not indicate that American military operations involving Iran have ended.
The US Navy has not announced the carrier’s next operational assignment.
