USS Abraham Lincoln Sailors Return Home After Record Deployment, Reunite with Families

Thousands of sailors and Marines aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln returned home after a record-long deployment. They got a chance to hug their loved ones, and some new dads got a chance to hold their babies for the first time. NBC News' Courtney Kube was there to capture the emotional reunions. The deployment, which lasted nearly a year, was one of the longest for a US aircraft carrier in recent history. Families waited anxiously for the ship's return, and the joy of the homecoming was palpable. For many service members, this was their first time meeting children born during their absence. The return of the USS Abraham Lincoln marks the end of a challenging mission and the beginning of a period of rest and reintegration for the crew. The event underscores the sacrifices made by military families and the importance of support networks for those serving overseas.