The USS Abraham Lincoln sailed into San Diego harbor on Thursday, flanked by fire boats shooting jets of water into the air and Coast Guard security vessels ensuring that any recreational boats maintain a safe distance.
The return home of the Nimitz-class carrier formally ends a nearly yearlong deployment because of U.S. military operations against Iran. The Lincoln played a critical role in the region, by executing thousands of combat missions and launching hundreds of Tomahawk cruise missiles against the enemy.
The Lincoln also helped enforce a major maritime blockade against Iranian ports during its long deployment to the region.
People were interested in these podcasts
“I’m the one who signed that order book twice to extend you,” Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said during a visit to the carrier as it approached the West Coast. “The mission required it, and you did it.”
The Lincoln docked at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, California, directly across the bay from downtown San Diego. Carrying about 5,000 sailors and Marines, the ship pulled into its home pier at about 3 p.m.
Thousands of friends and family members gathered at the pier to welcome the ship and crew home.
“I’m the only thing standing between you and home,” Mr. Hegseth said.
According to The Associated Press, sailors began disembarking after a deployment that included a record 265 uninterrupted days at sea and reports of supply shortages and deteriorating mental health among the crew.
Families waiting for the aircraft carrier’s arrival described crying and losing sleep after hearing about the ship’s food shortages and tough conditions. Many said the sailors had sent lists of the food they were craving.
Dozens of sailors stood atop the carrier as it glided past the cityscape of downtown San Diego toward cheering families who were carrying flowers and balloons and ringing cowbells.
Cassity Garduque, 14, waved as her mom in her sailor uniform frantically waved back from the top deck. “It feels really overwhelming,” she said about being reunited, adding she’s glad her mom won’t need to eat ramen almost every day.
— This article is based in part on wire service reports.
Contact the author
Please read our comment policy before commenting.