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

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is returning to San Diego Bay on Thursday after a record 265 uninterrupted days at sea supporting U.S. operations during the Iran war, a deployment that drew reports of worsening conditions for crew. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth joined the ship Wednesday to present the Presidential Unit Citation. The return follows attention sparked by claims of stress, poor mental health, and supply shortages, including food and hygiene products. Families began arriving at Naval Base Coronado earlier, and the Navy said 64 fathers will be among the first to depart once the carrier docks to meet their babies. The ship left San Diego in November and reached the Middle East in January.