The USS Abraham Lincoln, one of the U.S. Navy's largest warships, transited waters near Singapore early Sunday morning as it made its way home following a prolonged deployment in the Middle East. Associated Press journalists stationed on the Indonesian island of Batam observed the carrier passing through the Singapore Strait shortly after 1 a.m. local time. Thai officials have confirmed the vessel is expected to make a port stop in Thailand for rest and recovery before returning to its home base.

The Lincoln departed San Diego on Nov. 21 with a crew of approximately 5,000 sailors. The ship's deployment was significantly extended by the U.S. war against Iran, which began in February, ultimately resulting in a record-setting uninterrupted stretch at sea exceeding 250 days. The carrier served as a primary launch platform for thousands of aircraft sorties supporting strikes during the conflict. The Japan-based USS George Washington arrived in the Middle East earlier this month to relieve the Lincoln.

The extended deployment drew public attention after family members reported deteriorating conditions aboard the ship, including alleged food shortages, inadequate hygiene supplies, and declining mental health among crew members. Jefferson Kelley, whose son Jackson is serving aboard the Lincoln on his first deployment, told CBS Mornings that the sailors "should not be deployed this long" and described the strain on families waiting for their return. U.S. Central Command disputed reports of widespread suicidal ideation among the crew, stating there have been no deaths aboard the vessel.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously characterized media reports about conditions on the Lincoln as "misrepresented." The Navy confirmed that an Aug. 3 incident in which a sailor fell overboard and was recovered remains under investigation. The Lincoln's return marks the conclusion of what stands as one of the lengthiest continuous carrier deployments in recent U.S. naval history, and will renew scrutiny of the human and operational costs of the sustained military campaign against Iran.