The long-deployed USS Lincoln is returning home to San Diego

Coronado, California - The USS Abraham Lincoln, a carrier once deployed in the Iran war for an unprecedented 265 days at sea, is set to return to its home port in San Diego Bay on Thursday. The long deployment, which saw reports of deteriorating conditions within the crew, culminated in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth presenting the Presidential Unit Citation to the sailors on Wednesday. This prestigious honor is typically reserved for units demonstrating exceptional achievement in combat.

Hegseth vehemently denied allegations that the Lincoln had become a symbol of dysfunction, low morale, or mission failure. The carrier's return to San Diego has drawn significant national attention due to the crew's struggles, including mental health issues and supply shortages such as food and hygiene products.

In anticipation of the ship's arrival, families and loved ones of the crew had already gathered hours beforehand at the naval base in Coronado, near San Diego. Upon the carrier's docking, 64 fathers are among the first to depart, eagerly meeting their sons who have been away for nearly a year.