USS Abraham Lincoln Crew Returns to Land After Prolonged Deployment

Sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln have shifted from military duties to enjoying leisure time on Thailand’s beaches and bars. After a record-breaking nine months at sea, the families of these sailors express relief as they touch solid ground. Christi McGarey, whose son Marshall Ludwig serves on the ship, shared her sense of relief with CBS News. ‘I’m certain that his feet have touched the ground,’ she said, emphasizing the importance of these port visits due to the extended time at sea without breaks.

Approximately 5,000 sailors, Marines, and crew members have left the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier after a six-month engagement in the conflict with Iran. The deployment saw a drop in onboard conditions and crew mental health due to limited supplies, which were frequently attacked by Iranian forces. Although sailors contacted in Laem Chabang declined to discuss conditions on the ship, they expressed their excitement to be on land.

McGarey mentioned her son’s belief that the concerns were exaggerated. ‘I don’t know if he tried to comfort me, but he mentioned only one known case of someone going overboard,’ she added. ‘Each individual’s experience on the ship can vary greatly depending on their specific duties and location.’ In August, a sailor went overboard and was safely rescued. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Jefferson Kelley, father of sailor Jackson Kelley, voiced concerns about the length of deployments. ‘Old ships like these require constant maintenance and should not be deployed this long,’ he said.

Communication with her son was sporadic during the deployment, McGarey admitted, due to the crew’s involvement in blockades of Iranian ports and strikes on the region. ‘They set off without knowing they would end up in a war zone,’ she explained. ‘But today, knowing he is having fun, brings me immense joy.’

The USS George Washington has replaced the Lincoln in the Middle East. The USS Abraham Lincoln will return to San Diego after a brief stay in Thailand.