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The USS Abraham Lincoln is finally coming home
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The aircraft carrier is set to dock in San Diego today after a deployment that stretched
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more than 300 days. The crew spin a record 265 straight days at sea, with the extended deployment drawing national
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attention amid reports of difficult conditions on board and mental health concerns
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The Lincoln strike group was relieved in the Middle East in August and made a stop in Thailand
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before going home. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the carrier Wednesday to thank the crew for what he called a historic mission
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I realize I'm the only thing standing between you and home. I've also realized I'm the one that, and I don't say this lightly, actually, I never say this lightly
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but I'm the one who signed that orders book twice to extend you also
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No, I am. Plead guilty. A, because of the incredible effectiveness that you showcased on the battlefield and the necessity, but also B, the mission required it
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And C, because, you know, President Trump had full faith that you would deliver on behalf of the American people and you did
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Hegseth also announced the Lincoln and its strike group are receiving the Presidential Unit Citation, the highest honor a military unit can receive
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The award recognizes 40 days of combat operations and a naval blockade against Iran during Operation Epic Fury
