From Vanity Fair · Maxwell Adler · · 1m 30s
USS Abraham Lincoln Homecoming Chaos
Sailors return after 321-day deployment but families face hours-long lines for base passes.
In brief
Sailors return after 321-day deployment but families face hours-long lines for base passes. Over 5,000 sailors returned to San Diego after a 321-day deployment on the USS Abraham Lincoln, but families faced hours-long lines for visitor passes due to overwhelmed systems. Originally reported by Vanity Fair.
Homecoming Line Forms
Over 5,000 sailors returned to San Diego after a 321-day deployment on the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Families Arrive in a Rush
Families flew in from across the country, some dragging suitcases straight from the airport.
Visitor Pass Chaos
The line for visitor passes stretched several hundred feet, snaking across the lawn in front of the building.
Navy Staff Strained
The computers couldn’t handle the rush of people, dressed in Navy branded hats and patriotic t-shirts, who were trying to get passes.
Family Complaints
One woman yelled, 'If you’re new to the line, welcome to the shit show'.
“If you’re new to the line, welcome to the shit show”
Suicide Attempts Reported
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed eight suicide attempts across the Lincoln strike group during the deployment.
Military Defends Conditions
A sailor’s father brushed aside reports about suicide attempts, saying, 'That kinda thing happens when they’re on land bases also'.
“That kinda thing happens when they’re on land bases also”
Family Relief
When the ship docked, families hugged sailors and waved signs reading 'Welcome Home Daddy'.
Deployment Details
The Lincoln’s deployment was the second longest since the Vietnam War.
Family Concerns
A mother from Hawaii had a fresh lei waiting for her daughter on the ship.
The key point
Over 5,000 sailors returned to San Diego after a 321-day deployment on the USS Abraham Lincoln, but families faced hours-long lines for visitor passes due to overwhelmed systems.
