Navy Sailor Returns to Ransacked Home After 10‑Month Deployment
After a record‑length deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, Navy sailor Connor Nelson returned to a ransacked apartment and a stolen vehicle in Lemoore, California. The incident follows reports of eight suicide attempts among the strike group’s crew, raising concerns about the conditions faced…
By Felo News Desk · Published
When Connor Nelson stepped off the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln on September 20, he imagined a quiet evening in his Lemoore apartment, a chance to unwind after ten grueling months at sea. Instead, he was met with the shock of a ransacked home and a missing car.
Homecoming Turns Into Nightmare
Nelson’s first instinct was to check his parking spot. He found his car gone, a stark reminder that the world had moved on while he was away. He then tried to unlock his front door, but it opened with a light push, revealing a scene of chaos. Thousands of dollars worth of personal belongings—television, laptop, shoes, fishing gear—were stolen, and the apartment was left in disarray, according to a video posted by GoFundMe and a note from his father, 22‑year Navy veteran Justin Nelson.
Police are investigating the break‑in, but the emotional toll on the sailor is clear. “You spend the last 10 months of your life away from home, looking forward to the day you get to go home,” Nelson said in a video. The incident has spurred a GoFundMe campaign that has already raised over $35,000 to help him rebuild.
USS Abraham Lincoln’s Record Deployment
The USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear‑powered Nimitz‑class aircraft carrier named after President Abraham Lincoln, left its San Diego homeport in November 2023. The ship spent a record nine months in the Middle East, conducting combat operations amid the ongoing conflict in Iran. During that time, the carrier’s strike group—comprising roughly 6,000 to 7,000 sailors across six ships—was at sea for nearly 250 consecutive days.
Nelson was part of an early detachment crew that returned earlier than the rest of the group. While the ship was relieved by the USS George Washington in late August, it was still making its way back across the Pacific to San Diego. The extended deployment placed immense physical and mental demands on the crew, a factor that has come under scrutiny.
Alarming Mental Health Concerns
A letter from Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand revealed that eight sailors aboard the Lincoln strike group had attempted suicide since the deployment began. Cao’s letter included all members of the carrier’s air wing, strike group, destroyer squadron staff, escorting destroyers, and aviation squadrons.
Senator Gillibrand criticized President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for dismissing concerns about conditions aboard the Lincoln, calling the administration’s priorities “unacceptable.” She highlighted the disconnect between taxpayer spending on defense and the lack of support for service members’ well‑being.
What Happens Next?
The Navy and the White House have not yet responded to inquiries about the incident. The police investigation is ongoing, and the GoFundMe campaign continues to gather donations. Nelson’s story has sparked a broader conversation about the mental health and safety of sailors returning from extended deployments.
As the Navy reviews its protocols and the public keeps a close eye on the situation, the focus remains on ensuring that service members can return home without facing additional trauma. The case underscores the need for robust support systems for those who serve far from home.
Key facts
- Nelson returned to a ransacked home and stolen car after a 10‑month deployment
- USS Abraham Lincoln’s nine‑month Middle East deployment involved nearly 250 days at sea
- Eight suicide attempts reported among the strike group’s sailors
- Senator Gillibrand criticized the administration’s handling of service member concerns
- GoFundMe raised over $35,000 to aid Nelson
Why it matters
The incident highlights the hidden challenges faced by service members returning from long deployments, including mental health risks and personal security concerns, underscoring the need for comprehensive support systems.
Frequently asked questions
What caused the break‑in?
The investigation is ongoing; no suspect has been identified.
How many sailors were on the USS Abraham Lincoln?
The strike group included about 6,000 to 7,000 sailors across six ships.
What support is available for returning sailors?
The Navy offers counseling, financial assistance, and reintegration programs, though the effectiveness varies.
Has the Navy responded to the incident?
No official statement has been released yet.
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Navy sailor comes home to ransacked apartment, stolen car after 10 grueling months aboard USS Lincoln”
