321-day war deployment breaks USS Abraham Lincoln crew
California connects 5,000 sailors and Marines returning from the Middle East with counselling.
California has launched a mental health support program for the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln, which returned to San Diego on October 8 after a 321-day deployment in the Middle East. The initiative connects sailors and Marines with counseling and other services as they transition back to civilian life.
The USS Abraham Lincoln, a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, spent nearly a year supporting U.S. military operations during Operation Epic Fury, the conflict with Iran. With a crew of over 5,000, the ship endured 286 days at sea without a port call and more than 300 consecutive days overseas, marking the second-longest deployment by a U.S. aircraft carrier since the Vietnam War.
State-funded mental health services for returning military personnel: uss abraham lincoln deployment
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the program on Saturday, emphasizing California’s commitment to filling gaps in federal veterans’ care. The support is provided through the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics at Veterans Village of San Diego, which offer individual, couples, and family counseling, case management, and peer support for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.
“We’re here with open arms, ready to meet you where you are and support you,” said Shanae Ball, a licensed marriage and family therapist at the clinic. The program is part of the California Veterans Health Initiative, which was launched in 2024 with up to $38 million in grant funding to expand mental health services for veterans and their families statewide.
CalVet Secretary Lindsey Sin stated that the state is prepared to assist returning sailors and Marines as they adjust to life at home or address challenges stemming from their service. The initiative aims to ensure that military personnel and their families have access to care without relying solely on federal resources.
Challenges of extended deployments
The USS Abraham Lincoln’s deployment was one of the longest in recent history, surpassed only by the 326-day deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford earlier this year. Experts note that prolonged periods at sea can lead to isolation, as service members often lack access to their usual support networks.
Dylan Holden, a Navy veteran and mental health advocate, highlighted the difficulties some military personnel face in seeking help. “Isolation at sea can take a toll, especially when you can’t reach out to family or friends,” he said. “Some struggle to talk about their experiences, but it’s important to set aside pride and ask for support.”
The state has not disclosed how many of the returning crew members are expected to utilize the mental health services.
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