As USS Lincoln heads home, mental health experts tally the stressors of life at sea

NPR | By Katia Riddle

Published August 21, 2026 at 3:59 PM CDT

The USS Abraham Lincoln is now on its way home after spending nine months at sea. Experts weigh in on the mental-health challenges of prolonged confinement and isolation aboard an aircraft carrier.

Katia Riddle

Katia Riddle is a correspondent on NPR’s science desk.

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