USS Abraham Lincoln Returns to San Diego After Extended Deployment

The USS Abraham Lincoln has returned to Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California, after a 322-day deployment, which included a record 265 consecutive days at sea. The deployment was part of the U.S. military's operations related to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Crew members expressed relief upon their return, with some family members present to greet them. "It feels amazing," said 20-year-old Abel Ramirez, whose parents traveled from Texas to meet him. The prolonged deployment has drawn attention to various issues, including deteriorating conditions on board, food shortages, and reported mental health challenges among crew members. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth commented on the media's portrayal of the deployment, stating that it was unfairly depicted as a symbol of dysfunction. President Donald Trump has also criticized media coverage, labeling it as "fake news". Recent polling by the Pew Research Center indicated that 65 percent of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of the war against Iran, with concerns about the conflict's impact on the cost of living. Sailors returning home expressed eagerness for fresh meals and family time, with one crew member's spouse mentioning a list of foods he had been craving during the deployment.