USS Abraham Lincoln Returns After Extended Deployment

The USS Abraham Lincoln is returning to San Diego after a nearly yearlong deployment supporting U.S. operations against Iran, including a reported record 265 consecutive days at sea and repeated extensions. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who signed orders extending the deployment, visited the carrier before its arrival and awarded its roughly 5,000-person crew the Presidential Unit Citation, praising its combat performance and resilience while rejecting reports that the ship symbolized dysfunction. The deployment drew scrutiny over reported food and hygiene supply shortages, difficult living conditions, low morale and mental-health struggles; Navy officials acknowledged some logistical problems, and officials said eight members of the strike group attempted suicide. No deaths by suicide were reported, and none of the attempts were aboard the Lincoln. Lawmakers called for an independent review, and families were expected to greet returning sailors and Marines in the San Diego region.