Sailors Describe Exhausting Nine-Month Deployment on USS Abraham Lincoln

The USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. completed a 286-day deployment, with about 200 days spent in an active war zone, before making port in Thailand. Sailors described a grueling routine that included 12-hour shifts, food rationing that sometimes left them hungry, and the absence of Wi-Fi for security reasons, which made contacting families difficult. Mental-health concerns grew as the mission dragged on, prompting the crew to organize spelling bees and lip-sync battles to sustain morale.

Several sailors indicated they would not reenlist, citing the deployment’s length as a deal-breaker. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed supply and communication issues, but said meal plans were adjusted and no meals were missed. Despite the hardships, the crew felt a stronger sense of camaraderie after completing the tour.