The U.S. aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln sailed past Singapore early Sunday morning as it began its return journey following a nine-month deployment. Associated Press journalists reported seeing the vessel transit the Singapore Strait near the Indonesian island of Batam shortly after 1 a.m. local time. The ship is expected to make a port visit in Thailand for rest and recovery before returning to its U.S. base.
The USS Abraham Lincoln and its crew of approximately 5,000 personnel originally departed from San Diego on Nov. 21. The deployment was extended due to conflict with Iran, during which the carrier served as a launch point for thousands of aircraft flights. Earlier this month, the Japan-based USS George Washington arrived in the Middle East to replace the Lincoln, allowing the vessel to begin its transit home.
During the deployment, the ship set a record for uninterrupted time at sea, exceeding 250 days. This duration led to reports from family members regarding deteriorating mental health among the crew and shortages of supplies, including food and hygiene products. Jefferson Kelley, the father of a sailor on the ship, told "CBS Mornings" that the crew should not be deployed for such a length of time, noting that the older vessels require constant maintenance and "around the clock" work.
U.S. Central Command has disputed some of these accounts, stating that reports of increased suicidal ideation among the crew were false and confirming there have been no deaths aboard the ship. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that reports of issues onboard had been "misrepresented." However, the Navy is currently investigating an Aug. 3 incident in which a sailor fell overboard and was subsequently recovered.
The strain on the crew highlights the effects that prolonged regional conflicts can have on military readiness and personnel. For the sailors, the transition from active operations to a scheduled stop in Thailand marks a change in their daily routine, shifting toward "rest and recovery" status.
The return of the USS Abraham Lincoln follows an extended carrier presence during regional hostilities. Future policy regarding deployment lengths and supply logistics may be influenced by the Navy's investigation into the Aug. 3 overboard incident and the concerns raised by military families. Following the port visit in Thailand, the ship will transit toward the United States, though a specific arrival date at its home base has not been reported.