Defense Secretary Hegseth admits to USS Abraham Lincoln crew he extended deployment

Pete Hegseth: Pete Hegseth serves as the United States Secretary of Defense in the Trump administration. He oversees military strategy, deployments, and operations, including those related to the conflict with Iran. Hegseth recently boarded the USS Abraham Lincoln to personally address the crew and acknowledge his role in extending their Middle East mission. USS Abraham Lincoln: The USS Abraham Lincoln is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the United States Navy. It recently completed an extended deployment supporting US operations in the Middle East amid the conflict with Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the ship at sea to honor its crew following the prolonged mission. • The USS Abraham Lincoln departed San Diego on November 21, 2025, initially for Pacific operations, before being redirected to the Middle East. • Hegseth told the crew he signed orders extending the deployment twice, delaying the carrier’s expected return home. • The ship reportedly spent more than 260 consecutive days at sea and is scheduled to return to San Diego on October 8, 2026. • Its strike group supported Operation Epic Fury, including combat operations and a maritime blockade related to the Iran war. • The unusually long deployment prompted scrutiny over crew stress, mental-health concerns, living conditions, and supply shortages. • Hegseth visited the carrier before its return and presented the crew with the Presidential Unit Citation.