USS Lincoln docks in San Diego, returning home for first time in 321 days

The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group returned to its homeport in San Diego on October 8, 2026, after a 321-day deployment that included significant time in the Middle East. The deployment, which supported operations related to conflict with Iran, was one of the longest since the Cold War and set a record for consecutive days at sea without a port visit (265 days). While the homecoming was celebrated by thousands of families and 4,500 personnel, the mission was marked by reports of deteriorating shipboard conditions and mental health challenges, including eight suicide attempts across the strike group.

The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group returned to its homeport in San Diego on October 8, 2026, after a 321-day deployment that included significant time in the Middle East. The deployment, which supported operations related to conflict with Iran, was one of the longest since the Cold War and set a record for consecutive days at sea without a port visit (265 days). While the homecoming was celebrated by thousands of families and 4,500 personnel, the mission was marked by reports of deteriorating shipboard conditions and mental health challenges, including eight suicide attempts across the strike group.