Hegseth Awards USS Lincoln Presidential Unit Citation Before Record Deployment Ends

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the USS Abraham Lincoln on Wednesday, one day before the carrier's return to home port in San Diego after a record-long deployment in support of the Iran war. Speaking to the crew, Hegseth noted that he was the one "who signed that orders book twice" to extend the ship's deployment. He awarded the entire carrier group the Presidential Unit Citation, the highest such honor for a group of service members. The aircraft carrier spent more than 260 uninterrupted days at sea, a modern-era record. The visit highlights the sacrifices of the sailors and the importance of their mission. As the ship returns home, the crew's achievements are recognized at the highest level.