USS Abraham Lincoln deployment ends: Carrier returns to San Diego amid scrutiny

ABOARD THE USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN — Draped in red, white and blue striped bunting, the USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in San Diego Bay after 322 days at sea. It brought an end to one of the longest maritime deployments in American military history, a return home to eager loved ones, as well as a scrutiny of earlier reports of low morale.

Delighted crew members lined the port side decks – some waving to the waiting crowd, and others dancing while their loved ones applauded from below.

“It’s a combination of Christmas Eve and the last day of school,” the commanding officer, Captain Dan Keeler, told NBC News, adding that some of the crew were as young as 18 years old.

“They are incredible legends and heroes, you know,” he said. “Every single one of them.”

Among the first to depart from Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado will be 64 parents who are waiting months to meet their babies for the first time, the Associated Press reported.

Sailor Brent Ledbetter told NBC News he watched his son grow up through videos and photos sent by his wife, an air traffic control officer also assigned to the ship. She was relieved of her duties due to her pregnancy.

“I just want to hold him, play with him,” Ledbetter said.

The Lincoln’s return to Coronado caps more than 10 months of American military engagement in the Middle East. The aircraft carrier has drawn national attention with reports of supply shortages and at least eight suicide attempts.

The ship was deployed as part of Operation Epic Fury, a “laser-focused” mission to destroy Iran’s offensive missiles and missile production, Iranian navy and other security infrastructure, the Defense Department said in February.

He was at sea nonstop for 286 days, the second longest deployment since the Vietnam War, and exceeded 300 consecutive days overseas in total. The USS Gerald R. Ford set the record for the longest deployment of an aircraft carrier at 326 days, which ended this year, the AP reported.

Families and loved ones of the crew members arrived hours before the carrier returned Thursday, lining up to access the naval base near San Diego.

The Lincoln and its air squadron dropped more than 1,145 weapons during its 10 months at sea. Some crew members painted a mural depicting the 1,463 items hit during Operation Epic Fury.