San Diego – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the flight deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln on Wednesday to commend the sailors and airmen who completed a historic 321‑day deployment to the Middle East. The carrier strike group will dock at its homeport of San Diego on Thursday, concluding the longest deployment between ports of call since the end of the Cold War.
Record‑setting achievements
During the deployment, the Lincoln’s air wing logged more than 10,000 sorties and 23,000 combat flight hours, delivering roughly 1.5 million pounds of ordnance against Iranian targets. Hegseth highlighted specific numbers that had not previously been released: 3,693 combat sorties, 1.37 million pounds of ordnance dropped, 450 Tomahawk cruise missiles launched by accompanying warships, and the shoot‑down of 77 one‑way attack drones and 21 anti‑ship cruise missiles.
The strike group also neutralized four fast‑attack craft, intercepted explosive‑laden dhows, and contributed to the sinking of 64 Iranian warships. In recognition of these accomplishments, the Lincoln was awarded the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation, a distinction reserved for units that display extraordinary heroism and performance.
Improving quality of life for sailors
While the operational tempo was intense, Navy officials said the extended deployment yielded valuable lessons for future carrier missions. Admiral Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations, noted that the next carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, is already maximizing its load‑out of food, retail items, and hygiene supplies before departing.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Perryman explained that crews are converting available spaces into additional storage and upgrading climate‑control systems to remain self‑sufficient for longer periods when resupply is difficult. New entertainment equipment, more durable fitness gear, and spare cardio machines are also being installed to support sailors’ morale.
Mental‑health challenges addressed
The long deployment did strain some sailors. Navy reports indicated eight suicide attempts, including one sailor who jumped overboard and was rescued. Hegseth rejected media attempts to portray the Lincoln as a symbol of dysfunction, emphasizing that the crew’s resilience and dedication were evident throughout the mission.
He also underscored the Navy’s commitment to families, noting that lessons learned from the Lincoln’s deployment are being used to keep families better informed and to improve support services for future crews.
Looking ahead
The Lincoln’s return is a cause for celebration in San Diego, a city whose economy and community are closely tied to the Navy’s presence. Local businesses anticipate a boost as sailors and their families reunite with the community, and the Navy’s ongoing improvements promise a higher quality of life for those who serve on future carrier deployments.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
