Two Destroyers Stay Deployed As USS Abraham Lincoln Heads Home
As of August 25, 2026, two U.S. Navy destroyers, USS Spruance and USS Michael Murphy, remain deployed while the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln heads home.[1]
Lincoln is returning with escort USS Frank E. Petersen Jr., leaving Spruance and Michael Murphy separated from the carrier strike group.[1] All three destroyers have been deployed with the Lincoln strike group since late 2025, stretching past the Navy's typical seven-month destroyer deployment.[1] A 7th Fleet spokesperson said strike group composition changes based on mission requirements and that disaggregation on deployment is not uncommon.[1]
Navy leaders told families at a San Diego town hall on August 6, 2026, that they intended to bring the whole composite strike group home together.[1] Family members say sailors on Spruance and Michael Murphy are facing prolonged deployments, supply and plumbing problems, and low morale similar to issues reported aboard Lincoln.[1]
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📌 Key Facts
- As of August 25, 2026, USS Spruance and USS Michael Murphy remain deployed while USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. head home.
- The three destroyers have been deployed with the Lincoln carrier strike group since late 2025, exceeding the typical seven‑month destroyer deployment length.
- A 7th Fleet spokesperson said strike group composition changes based on mission requirements and that disaggregation on deployment is not uncommon.
- Family members report sailors on Spruance and Murphy face prolonged deployments, supply and plumbing problems, and low morale similar to issues aboard the Lincoln.
- Navy leaders told families at an August 6, 2026 San Diego town hall that they intended to bring the whole composite strike group home together.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time