The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier arrived in the United States after nearly nine months deployed overseas, completing 265 consecutive days of duty. Most of the ship's deployment was spent in the Middle East.
The aircraft carrier, which served during the war with Iran, was welcomed by crew members' families and military personnel at a ceremony in San Diego Bay.
Maintenance planned in the United States
The USS Abraham Lincoln is expected to remain in the United States for the planned period and undergo maintenance.
The ship's lengthy deployment prompted claims about the crew's working conditions and the need for repairs in some sections. These claims included the view that the prolonged mission had worsened the crew's psychological condition and that the Donald Trump administration had concealed problems aboard the ship from the public.

The Pentagon, however, said there were no problems involving the ship or its crew and that the discussions reported in the media had been exaggerated.
Presidential award presented to the crew
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the USS Abraham Lincoln on Wednesday and presented the crew with the Presidential Unit Citation. Described as the highest honor a unit can receive, the citation is generally awarded to units that have demonstrated significant achievements in combat.
At the ceremony, Hegseth said they opposed efforts to portray the Lincoln as a symbol of a failed mission and stated that they were proud of the service members.