00:02The USS Abraham Lincoln is finally coming home. The aircraft carrier is set to dock in San Diego
00:08today after a deployment that stretched more than 300 days. The crew spin a record 265 straight days
00:14at sea, with the extended deployment drawing national attention amid reports of difficult
00:19conditions on board and mental health concerns. The Lincoln strike group was relieved in the
00:24Middle East in August and made a stop in Thailand before going home. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
00:30visited the carrier Wednesday to thank the crew for what he called a historic mission.
00:35I realize I'm the only thing standing between you and home. I'm also realize I'm the one that,
00:40and I don't say this lightly actually, I never say this lightly,
00:43but I'm the one who signed that orders book twice to extend you also. No, I am.
00:50Plead guilty. A, because of the incredible effectiveness that you showcased on the
00:57battlefield and the necessity. But also, B, the mission required it. And C, because, you know,
01:04President Trump had full faith that you would deliver on behalf of the American people, and you
01:08did. Hegseth also announced the Lincoln and its strike group are receiving the presidential unit
01:13citation, the highest honor a military unit can receive. The award recognizes 40 days
01:19of combat operations and a naval blockade against Iran during Operation Epic Fury.
