Defense Chief Hegseth Hails Lincoln Crew’s Durability Following Record-Elongation Carrier Voyage

By Phil Stewart

WASHINGTON, Oct 7 (Reuters) – US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln on Wednesday to commiserate with and commend the crew, recognizing their endurance through an extended wartime deployment that has faced scrutiny regarding multiple suicide attempts on board.

Set to dock in San Diego on Thursday, the Lincoln serves as the flagship for a carrier strike group that recorded eight suicide attempts among US personnel while at sea, the Navy reported. The voyage included over 260 consecutive days without a port visit, a new record set by the Pentagon.

Hegseth, whose public statements frequently challenge news outlets, accused reporters of framing the Lincoln strike group’s crew as symbols of systemic dysfunction rather than as combat heroes. He presented a citation from President Donald Trump honoring the unit’s accomplishments during the conflict with Iran.

According to Hegseth, the Lincoln’s operations resulted in the sinking of 64 Iranian warships, the neutralization of 21 anti-ship cruise missiles, 3,693 combat sorties executed, 450 Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles launched, and 1.37 million pounds of ordnance deployed against Iranian targets.

He noted that despite the frenetic tempo of combat operations, the strike group incurred no casualties or aircraft mishaps.

“What distinguishes the US military and the US Navy and all these sailors is that you adapt, that you’re resilient, and that you overcome – you finish the mission nonetheless,” Hegseth told the crew. “Yes, it’s hard. That’s why you’re here. You do difficult and hard things.”

Standard naval deployments typically last between six and nine months but are frequently extended during periods of conflict. Mental health strain associated with prolonged sea duty has historically presented significant challenges for the US Navy.

In August, following reports of diminished morale and supply shortages aboard the ship, Trump was asked if he believed the Lincoln had been deployed for too long. He replied, “No, no, no. Not nearly long enough.”

Hegseth conceded there were logistical difficulties on board, stating that “there wasn’t an easy resupply.”

Just before the carrier’s return to port, Hegseth quipped that he was “the only thing standing between you and home,” acknowledging that he was also the official who signed the orders repeatedly extending the deployment.

“You deserve to see your families and see them as soon as possible,” Hegseth said, explaining he simply wanted to meet them briefly “on the route, on the way in, just to say thank you.”

The carrier’s arrival occurs at a pivotal moment in the US-Iran conflict, a war that has shaken global energy markets and evolved into a political risk for Trump and fellow Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections.

The war, carrying an estimated $3 billion monthly cost, has emerged as a central campaign issue. Escalating energy prices have placed Trump and Republicans on the defensive in competitive states critical to determining control of Congress.

Trump is currently evaluating future actions against Iran, including potential escalation of strikes before or after the elections, while maintaining a naval blockade designed to impose economic pressure on Tehran to negotiate an end to the conflict.

Vice President JD Vance told Reuters on Monday that Iran must achieve a “meaningful” reduction in its uranium enrichment capacity to meet US demands and conclude the seven-month war.

Hegseth stated that the Lincoln’s crew played a key role in securing the US objective of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

“You have changed the arc of history,” he told them on Wednesday.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart; Additional reporting by Christian Martinez and Katherine Jackson; Editing by Jamie Freed)

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