The USS Abraham Lincoln is ending its long deployment in the Middle East after spending over 260 days at sea since November. Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads Central Command and oversees operations against Iran, visited the ship during his 10-day trip through several Middle Eastern countries including Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Cooper praised the crew of the Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in a statement, calling them a strong team with high achievement and pride in their work. The ship had drawn public attention due to reports of poor living conditions aboard, including moldy showers and spoiled food. Some sailors reportedly attempted to jump off the carrier, raising concerns about morale and well-being among crew members.
The Navy announced that the USS Abraham Lincoln would return home as part of a planned rotation with the USS George Washington, which is taking its place in the region, according to The Hill. Senators have called for an official, bipartisan visit to assess conditions aboard the ship.
During a town hall with the acting Navy secretary, some families voiced frustration over not being given updates on when the carrier would return, according to a report from CBS News. The Navy typically does not release exact timing of ship movements to protect operational security. At least one family member expressed concern about the mental health of their partner during the meeting.
The Navy rejected claims of a mental health crisis on board, stating no increase in reported suicidal thoughts or attempts had been identified. An incident involving a sailor going overboard earlier this month is under investigation, according to Navy officials. The sailor was safely recovered and received medical care afterward.
In April, another sailor fell from the USS Frank E. Petersen destroyer, also part of the Lincoln strike group. That sailor was quickly recovered and treated for injuries.
The Navy noted that occasional accidental overboard incidents are not unusual. A Navy statement acknowledged delays in delivering some supplies to the ship. Leadership prioritized mission-critical items first, such as food, then hygiene products, and finally mail.
Democratic Senator向 Hegseth criticized the situation, saying military members should not be subjected to unnecessary hardship. He emphasized that every crew and captain should have access to necessary support at all times.
The USS George Washington, based in Japan, departed Yokosuka in May for a patrol in the Pacific Ocean. It has since moved west through the Strait of Malacca and is now operating without a carrier in the region.
The return of the USS Abraham Lincoln marks the end of a deployment that had been closely watched by lawmakers and the public.
IMAGE: The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) underway in the Western Pacific on 21 December 2004. Abraham Lincoln, with assigned Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2), was deployed to the Western Pacific 15 October 2004 to 4 May 2005.. Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Patrick M. Bonafede / Wikimedia, taken 2004-12-21, Public domain