Secretary Hegseth Honors USS Lincoln

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the USS Abraham Lincoln before its return to San Diego and presented its carrier strike group with the Presidential Unit Citation, a top unit award. The Lincoln left San Diego in November and was diverted to the Middle East to support U.S. operations against Iran. It spent months on combat operations and a maritime blockade as shortages, poor living conditions and mental-health concerns drew scrutiny. Hegseth said he approved two extensions because the crew was effective and the mission needed it. He said media accounts miscast morale, while documented concerns included supply problems and serious mental-health challenges. The Navy acknowledged eight suicide attempts across the strike group, with no deaths by suicide. The ship was expected to dock Oct. 8.