00:02For the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln, today brings something they have gone more than nine
00:07months without, a full port visit. The carrier arrived in Lemchabong, Thailand, 286 days after
00:15leaving San Diego last November. About 5,000 service members are aboard. The Lincoln left
00:21California for a Pacific deployment, but the war with Iran eventually took it to the Middle East
00:26to support U.S. military operations. The USS George Washington relieved the Lincoln there in August,
00:32allowing it to begin the long trip home. This extended deployment has drawn attention to
00:38conditions aboard the ship. Reports have documented shortages of food and hygiene products, along with
00:44concerns about the mental health of crew members after months without a full port break. In a
00:49statement to Straight Arrow, a Navy official said the service plans a carrier strike group's
00:54maintenance, training, and deployments within a standard 36-month rotation. The official said
01:00the Navy is fully committed to the mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of its sailors
01:05and provides support throughout a deployment. Well, the crew now gets four days in Thailand
01:10for some long-awaited rest and recovery. Then the Lincoln continues its journey home to San Diego.
