Home / News / World News / Photos / In Photos: Long-deployed USS Lincoln returns home to San Diego Bay

In Photos: Long-deployed USS Lincoln returns home to San Diego Bay

Updated On: 09 October, 2026 12:22 PM IST | ronak mastakar

The USS Abraham Lincoln has returned home to San Diego Bay Thursday after supporting the Iran war during a record long deployment of 265 uninterrupted days at sea that included reports of deteriorating conditions among its crew. (Pics/AFP)

  • WhatsApp
  • Twitter
  • WhatsAppBookmarkBookmark
01
The Lincoln played a vital role providing security for maritime operations in the Middle East. Pic/AFP
The Lincoln played a vital role providing security for maritime operations in the Middle East. Pic/AFP
02
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth flew out to the carrier on Wednesday to give the crew the Presidential Unit Citation, the highest honour a unit can receive that is typically reserved for significant achievement in combat.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth flew out to the carrier on Wednesday to give the crew the Presidential Unit Citation, the highest honour a unit can receive that is typically reserved for significant achievement in combat.
03
Hegseth pushed back against what he said were efforts to turn the "Lincoln into some sort of a symbol, a symbol of dysfunction or a symbol of low morale or a symbol of a failed mission".
Hegseth pushed back against what he said were efforts to turn the "Lincoln into some sort of a symbol, a symbol of dysfunction or a symbol of low morale or a symbol of a failed mission".
04
The carrier drew national attention following reports of stress among the crew and poor mental health, as well as supply shortages, including food and hygiene products, during its Iran war mission.
The carrier drew national attention following reports of stress among the crew and poor mental health, as well as supply shortages, including food and hygiene products, during its Iran war mission.
05
Families and loved ones of the crew arrived hours ahead of the carrier's arrival Thursday, waiting in line to get on the naval base in Coronado near San Diego. Among the first to depart once the ship docks will be 64 fathers meeting theirs babies for the first time, the Navy said.
Families and loved ones of the crew arrived hours ahead of the carrier's arrival Thursday, waiting in line to get on the naval base in Coronado near San Diego. Among the first to depart once the ship docks will be 64 fathers meeting theirs babies for the first time, the Navy said.
06
The Navy initially downplayed any problems during the deployment, and President Donald Trump commented in August that the Lincoln's lengthy deployment was "not nearly long enough."
The Navy initially downplayed any problems during the deployment, and President Donald Trump commented in August that the Lincoln's lengthy deployment was "not nearly long enough."
07
Hegseth told the crew that "what makes the US military and the US Navy and all these sailors different is that you adapt and that you're resilient and you overcome - you finish the mission nonetheless."
Hegseth told the crew that "what makes the US military and the US Navy and all these sailors different is that you adapt and that you're resilient and you overcome - you finish the mission nonetheless."
08
The carrier left San Diego in November and arrived in the Middle East in January. US and Israeli forces launched airstrikes against Iran on Feb 28.
The carrier left San Diego in November and arrived in the Middle East in January. US and Israeli forces launched airstrikes against Iran on Feb 28.
09
After more than 10 months at sea, the Lincoln's crew got a stop in Thailand early last month on the way back from the Middle East.
After more than 10 months at sea, the Lincoln's crew got a stop in Thailand early last month on the way back from the Middle East.
10
Extended naval deployments can wear on service members who are away from home for long periods and increase strain on the ship and its equipment.
Extended naval deployments can wear on service members who are away from home for long periods and increase strain on the ship and its equipment.

Recommended Photos

Next Gallery

Photo of Day

Heads up!

Heads up!

With Dussehra around the corner, workers at Samrat Dresswala in Girgaon test out their Ravana costumes. Pic/Ashish Raje