Videos show USS Lincoln service members reuniting with loved ones after historic deployment

The USS Abraham Lincoln returned to San Diego on October 8, 2026, concluding a historic and grueling deployment that lasted approximately 321 days. The mission, primarily focused on operations in the Middle East during conflict with Iran, was marked by 264 consecutive days at sea without a port call—a record in modern naval history. Upon its return, the crew of roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for valor. The homecoming was characterized by emotional reunions, including over 60 fathers meeting their newborn children for the first time. However, the deployment was also the subject of controversy due to reports of deteriorating living conditions, food shortages, and eight suicide attempts among the crew.

The USS Abraham Lincoln returned to San Diego on October 8, 2026, concluding a historic and grueling deployment that lasted approximately 321 days. The mission, primarily focused on operations in the Middle East during conflict with Iran, was marked by 264 consecutive days at sea without a port call—a record in modern naval history. Upon its return, the crew of roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for valor. The homecoming was characterized by emotional reunions, including over 60 fathers meeting their newborn children for the first time. However, the deployment was also the subject of controversy due to reports of deteriorating living conditions, food shortages, and eight suicide attempts among the crew.