US Carrier Returns Home From Iran War Amid Reports of Food Shortages, Suicide Attempts

SAN DIEGO: The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln returned to its home base in San Diego, California, on October 8 after a deployment of about 321 days. The ship and its embarked carrier strike group took part in US military operations against Iran. Families welcomed their loved ones home, but reports of food and basic-supply shortages and of strain on crew mental health have raised questions about the Navy’s management of the deployment.
The Guardian reported on October 3 on the concerns of crew members’ families. The ship’s roughly 5,000 personnel served for months under extraordinary conditions, spending 265 consecutive days at sea with limited port calls and rest. Some families said they went weeks without hearing from their loved ones.
The most serious disclosure concerned suicide attempts. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed in a letter to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand that eight suicide attempts were reported among personnel of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group during the deployment, including sailors from the carrier, its air wing and accompanying warships. Officials said no one died. CBS News also reported details of the letter in September.
Families also raised complaints about food, plumbing and basic supplies, and some personnel voiced concerns about food quality during a stop in Thailand. The Guardian noted, however, that experiences were not uniform and some families felt social media and some reports exaggerated conditions. The Navy had rejected some claims of food shortages in April after photos of poor-quality meals circulated.
The Lincoln left San Diego in November 2025, initially bound for the Pacific. It was redirected to the Middle East in late February 2026 after the US and Israel began their war against Iran. According to the US Naval Institute’s news service, its return plans were changed and the deployment extended. The USS George Washington relieved it in the region in August.
The Pentagon said the strike group flew 3,693 sorties, shot down 77 one-way attack drones, destroyed 21 anti-ship cruise missiles and sank 64 Iranian vessels. The figures were supplied by the US military. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the crew on October 7, praised their performance and announced a Presidential Unit Citation from President Donald Trump. He took responsibility for the extension, citing mission requirements and the intensity of operations.
The Navy’s next challenge is helping personnel readjust to normal life and providing mental health support. The Naval Institute said crew members received guidance on mental health and reintegration after returning.