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California highlights mental-health support as USS Abraham Lincoln returns
California is directing USS Abraham Lincoln sailors, Marines and their families to San Diego-area mental-health services as thousands of service members readjust after a 321-day deployment.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Angel Campbell, via DVIDS. Public domain.
The Governor's Office said Saturday that support is available through the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics at Veterans Village of San Diego. The clinics provide mental-health care and transition support for military members, veterans and their families.
The state announcement said the California Veterans Health Initiative has provided up to $38 million since 2024 for community-based care, including outpatient treatment, case management, peer support and other programs. The initiative includes a University of San Diego grantee serving the region.
Deployment: 321 days, according to the October 17 state announcement
Homeport: Naval Air Station North Island
Personnel aboard: About 4,500
State initiative: Up to $38 million for veteran and military-family mental-health programs
A long-awaited homecoming
The carrier left San Diego on November 21, 2025, and spent much of the deployment supporting U.S. military operations in the Middle East. Earlier pre-return reports estimated a 320-day deployment; the state's post-return announcement described it as 321 days.
Navy figures cited by KPBS show the crew completed 72 replenishments at sea and supported more than 13,000 Carrier Air Wing 9 flights totaling 28,500 flight hours. About four million meals were served during the deployment.
Official support announcement: Governor of California — October 17, 2026 →
Latest report: Military Times →
Local reporting: KPBS / City News Service →
Official statement: U.S. Navy →