USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier begins return to San Diego after extended deployment

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is on its way back to San Diego, having been relieved by the Japan-based USS George Washington, a U.S. official told The New York Times. The vessel departed after a 272-day deployment that began on Nov. 21 and included brief stops in Guam and Oman for resupply.

Family members of crew members have raised concerns about living conditions aboard the ship, describing limited access to basic supplies and reports of fatigue among sailors. One family spokesperson said a shipboard medical professional warned that the crew needed to return to port to avoid mental-health deterioration.

The Navy confirmed that a sailor who went overboard was rescued after about an hour in the water; the individual had previously sent a text indicating distress about the prolonged deployment.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responded to media reports on Aug. 13, stating that the accounts “completely misrepresented” the situation and emphasizing the department’s intent to rotate personnel and bring the ship home as soon as feasible.

“I want them home as soon as everybody else, too. I want folks rotated as quickly as possible. I want the best for them. My commanders know that, our service secretaries know that, the president expects that, and so to that crew and all crews: We’re going to do everything we can for you, and we are so grateful for that crew and others,” Hegseth said.

The Navy plans to maintain a presence of roughly 20 warships in the region, operating outside the Persian Gulf, while USS George Washington has begun operations under Central Command’s control. The Abraham Lincoln’s return trip, covering about 13,000 miles, is expected to take four to five weeks.

The White House was contacted for comment but did not respond at the time of publication.