The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) sails through the Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter)
The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its 5,000 sailors and Marines are heading home after a record-setting uninterrupted time at sea and reports of crew stress and poor mental health.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is being relieved by the USS George Washington. CENTCOM said on social media that the carrier arrived in the region Wednesday.
What we don't know:
An arrival home for the USS Abraham Lincoln has not been released, but the journey takes just over a month and the ship could make a port stop along the way.
The backstory:
The USS Abraham Lincoln, based out of Naval Station San Diego, began a scheduled seven-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region on November 21, 2025. The carrier was later redirected to support Middle East operations and the war with Iran, with the mission being extended indefinitely.
Reports about poor conditions aboard USS Abraham Lincoln prompted a response from the Pentagon
PANAMA CITY, PANAMA - AUGUST 13: US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is seen during the PANAMAX 2026 joint security exercise in Panama on August 13, 2026. Held live and in the field for the first time since 2012, the 11-day multinational exercise br …
Earlier this month, both the Navy Times and Stars and Stripes published articles after speaking with the family members of service members on board that several sailors have made multiple attempts to jump overboard and are experiencing low morale, exhaustion, and issues with their mental health and suicidal thoughts.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responded that reports about poor conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln were "completely misrepresented."
What they're saying:
"We make sure every ship, every crew, every captain has everything we can provide them at every single moment. Some deployments are longer than others, and I have more respect and gratitude for those sailors than anybody. What they do in those high seas in those austere conditions with less port calls — it's incredible," Hegseth told reporters during a visit to Panama.
Navy ship deployments usually last six to nine months, but during times of conflict, deployments can be extended, leading to a strain on crews.
CENTCOM Commander visits USS Abraham Lincoln
U.S. Central Commander Adm. Brad Cooper visits with Sailors and Marines aboard USS Abraham Lincoln. (CENTCOM)
Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), visited sailors and Marines aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln last weekend. His visit came shortly after the reports that the crew were experiencing poor conditions leading to mental health issues.
CENTCOM says Adm. Cooper addressed the entire Lincoln team and thanked them for their tremendous dedication and courage.
What they're saying:
In a released statement, Cooper said: "My time aboard USS Abraham Lincoln yesterday was awe-inspiring. I wish every American could see the crew in action. You would beam with absolute pride when witnessing their camaraderie, teamwork and resilience."
USS Abraham Lincoln history
The USS Abraham Lincoln’s keel was laid Nov. 3, 1984 at Newport News, Virginia and the ship was christened less than four years later and commissioned on November 11, 1989, in Norfolk, Virginia.
The ship is America’s fifth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and is named in honor of our nation’s 16th president.
The Source: This article includes information from The Associated Press and previous FOX Local reporting. This story was reported from Orlando.