The USS Abraham Lincoln finally docked after nine gruelling months away, totalling 260 unbroken days on the open ocean, sparking tears and desperate tight hugs among crew and families.
Some sailors returned to greet their newborn children for the first time, including Larry Kennard, pictured cradling his four-month-old son Larry Kennard III.
Record-breaking deployment
The USS Abraham Lincoln set a U.S. Navy record, spending over 260 days consecutively at sea without a port call while playing a key role in Operation Epic Fury and regional maritime security operations in the Middle East.
The massive nuclear-powered aircraft carrier left California in November 2025 for duty in the South China Sea and was rerouted to the Middle East before US-Israeli attacks on Iran that began in late February, staying at sea until a Thailand port call in early September.
Emotional homecoming
Commander Kory Perez embraced his sons, while sailor Joey Montemarano greeted his nine-month-old daughter Madeline Montemarano. Erbin Dela Cruz was met by his mother Ana Dela Cruz.
Families and friends awaited the arrival of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier at its homeport, with one lady clutching a sign showing the face of a loved one at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego.
