USS Abraham Lincoln Returns to Coronado After Historic Deployment
The USS Abraham Lincoln returned to Coronado, California, marking the end of a deployment that kept sailors at sea for over 10 months. The homecoming was filled with jubilant reunions as sailors disembarked to greet their loved ones after supporting operations related to the Iran war.
Families waiting at Naval Air Station North Island expressed relief as sailors, including new fathers meeting their children for the first time, returned home. During this deployment, the USS Lincoln set a record for continuous time at sea, spending 322 days without a break.
For many families, the deployment was a period of anxiety marked by reports of supply issues and mental health challenges among the crew. Communication was limited to sporadic emails and infrequent WhatsApp calls. Sailor Abel Ramirez, 20, expressed his joy saying, “It feels amazing,” as he reunited with his family.
One emotional reunion involved 14-year-old Cassity Garduque, who was thrilled to see her mother after a long absence, noting “She missed most of my seventh grade and my birthday.”
Challenges Faced During the Deployment
Commanded by Capt. Daniel Keeler, the crew faced typical challenges of a lengthy deployment, including food shortages and maintenance issues aboard what he described as a “floating city.” The Navy initially downplayed these issues, but later acknowledged some problems existed.
President Donald Trump commented on the deployment’s length, stating it was “not nearly long enough,” while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth awarded the crew the Presidential Unit Citation, commendably affirming their resilience and mission completion.
Hegseth addressed the crew, emphasizing their adaptability and resilience, and refuting attempts to portray the Lincoln as a symbol of dysfunction.
Looking Forward to Family and Food
The homecoming was not only about reuniting with family; many sailors eagerly anticipated their favorite meals. Alma Solano Velez shared that her husband had given a list of dishes he craved, from oxtail to shrimp empanadas, while aboard the carrier.
During the deployment, the USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group conducted nearly 3,700 combat missions and launched 450 Tomahawk missiles, among other operations. Despite the hardships, the crew’s achievements were significant, including sinking Iranian warships and intercepting enemy missiles.
As the USS George Washington takes over in the Middle East, the Lincoln’s crew can now enjoy a well-deserved rest and time with their families.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
