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USS Abraham Lincoln heads home following record deployment at sea

The aircraft carrier is returning to California after more than 260 days without a port visit.

Updated Oct 9, 2026 · 06:29 UTC16 reports

The short version

The USS Abraham Lincoln is returning to California after setting a Navy record of more than 260 consecutive days at sea without a port call.[The Guardian · PBS NewsHour]
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged signing two deployment extensions, while announcing the crew will receive the presidential unit citation.[The Guardian]
Lawmakers raised alarms over reports of food shortages, hygiene issues, and an acknowledgment by the acting Navy secretary of eight suicide attempts in the strike group.[The Guardian · PBS NewsHour]
Administration officials dismissed assertions of severe dysfunction, with Hegseth rejecting claims that the mission struggled with poor morale.[The Guardian · PBS NewsHour]

The USS Abraham Lincoln is returning to California after setting a Navy record of more than 260 consecutive days at sea without a port call.[The Guardian · PBS NewsHour]
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted the deployment was difficult and confirmed he personally signed orders extending it twice.[The Guardian]
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao acknowledged that eight service members from the carrier and its strike group attempted suicide during the deployment.[The Guardian]
Personnel onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln are set to receive the presidential unit citation.[The Guardian]
Representative Sara Jacobs reported hearing accounts from sailors and Marines about difficulties accessing food, laundry facilities, and medical care.[PBS NewsHour]

The severity of onboard supply deficits and crew hardship remains disputed, with administration leaders downplaying reports that critics cited as evidence of dysfunction.[The Guardian · PBS NewsHour]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.