USS Abraham Lincoln leaves Middle East after 9-month deployment

The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has concluded its nine-month deployment in the Middle East and is en route back to San Diego, according to a U.S. official. The carrier's departure marks the end of an extended mission, which was prolonged by the war with Iran that began in February. The USS George Washington has arrived in the region to assume duties, taking over from the Lincoln.

Concerns regarding the conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have surfaced, with family members voicing worries about deteriorating mental health, sanitation issues, and food shortages. These concerns have been amplified by reports in military publications like Military Times and Stars and Stripes, drawing attention on Capitol Hill.

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I've long believed that mental health is another aspect of individual health and requires our attention just like physical health and spiritual health.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump have attempted to downplay these concerns. Trump suggested the ship had not been deployed for an excessive period, while Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao characterized media coverage of the conditions as "dishonest." U.S. Central Command Adm. Brad Cooper visited the ship to address complaints, acknowledging the inherent challenges of sea deployment and the varied ways individuals cope with stress. He stated that mental health requires attention similar to physical and spiritual health, though he did not confirm specific issues.

The Navy has reported no increase in suicide attempts or suicidal ideation on board and is investigating an incident where a sailor fell overboard on August 3. For families like Jefferson Kelley's, the focus remains on the safe return of their loved ones. "What's going through my mind as a parent is that need to want to be there, to want to be there for your child," Kelley told CBS News, expressing a strong desire for his son's homecoming.

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What's going through my mind as a parent is that need to want to be there, to want to be there for your child.