Lincoln arrives after record deployment

The USS Abraham Lincoln docked in San Diego Bay on October eighth after three hundred twenty-two days at sea, one of the longest maritime deployments in US military history.

Crew reunites with waiting families

Crewmembers lined the decks waving and dancing as loved ones cheered from below. Commanding officer Captain Dan Keeler told NBC News the moment felt like a combination of Christmas and the last day of school.

“It's a combination of the day before Christmas and the last day of school.”

Sixty-four parents meet babies for first time

Among the first to depart at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado will be sixty-four parents who have been waiting months to meet their babies for the first time.

Sailor watched son grow through videos

Sailor Brent Ledbetter watched his son grow via videos and photos sent by his wife, an air traffic control officer assigned to the ship who was relieved of duty because of her pregnancy.

“I just want to hold him, play with him.”

Lincoln deployed to Middle East for ten months

The Lincoln was deployed as part of the US war with Iran. It was at sea without a port call for two hundred eighty-six days, the second-longest deployment since the Vietnam War.

Carrier drew scrutiny over morale concerns

The aircraft carrier drew national attention over reports of supply shortages and at least eight suicide attempts. The deployment surpassed three hundred consecutive days overseas overall.

Defense Secretary praises crew achievement

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth flew to the carrier to give the crew the Presidential Unit Citation, the highest honor a unit can receive. He pushed back against characterizations of dysfunction or failed mission.

“I draw inspiration from the mission that you executed so successfully. You have changed the arc of history.”