321 days, 64 new fathers and the crisis on board: the emotional return from the war in Iran

The American aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln returned to San Diego after 321 days of deployment, the second longest since Vietnam. Alongside military achievements — 3,693 sorties, 450 Tomahawk missiles, 64 Iranian vessels sunk — shortages in supplies, difficulties in medical care, and eight suicide attempts among the crew were revealed.

The American aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln returned yesterday (Thursday) to San Diego after 321 days of deployment — the second longest for an American carrier since the Vietnam War. 64 new fathers among the crew were among the first to disembark, to meet their children born in their absence. The deployment, which began on November 21, 2025, included more than 260 consecutive days at sea without entering port, until it docked in Thailand in early September. The Lincoln was initially sent to the Pacific Ocean and was diverted to the Middle East. With the opening of the American-Israeli campaign against Iran on February 28, it served as an air power base and participated in the naval blockade. According to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, the carrier strike group conducted 3,693 combat sorties, launched 450 Tomahawk missiles, sank 64 Iranian vessels, shot down 77 drones, and destroyed 21 cruise missiles. Alongside the achievements, House Representative Sara Jacobs reported difficulties with laundry, medicine, and food. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hang Cao confirmed eight suicide attempts among the crew. Senator Richard Blumenthal demanded explanations. Hegseth awarded the strike group the Presidential Unit Citation and rejected attempts to turn the Lincoln into a symbol of failure.