USS Lincoln sails past Singapore on its way from the Middle East after grueling 9-month deployment

Updated on: August 30, 2026 / 12:30 PM EDT / CBS/AP

The U.S. aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln sailed past Singapore early on Sunday as it headed home after a grueling deployment in the Middle East. It's expected to stop in Thailand for a port visit.

Associated Press journalists on the Indonesian island of Batam, across the Singapore Strait, spotted the massive vessel as it transited waters near Singapore just after 1 a.m. local time.

The Japan-based USS George Washington, another U.S. aircraft carrier, arrived earlier this month in the Middle East to replace the USS Lincoln.

The Lincoln, one of the U.S. Navy's largest warships, was supporting the U.S. war against Iran. Its deployment included a record-setting uninterrupted time at sea of more than 250 days. Concerns have grown about the Lincoln's lengthy deployment following reports of deteriorating mental health among the crew and shortages of supplies including food and hygiene products.

Thai officials have said the Lincoln will stop in Thailand for rest and recovery before returning to its U.S. base.

The USS Abraham Lincoln and its roughly 5,000 crew members left San Diego on Nov. 21. The war with Iran, which began in February, extended the mission…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/