Washington (US), 7 Oct. (LaPresse) – Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln back to San Diego upon their return to the United States. The vessel had been at sea for over 300 days, after its mission was extended in May as part of the conflict with Iran. “You rose to the challenge from the very first minute, engaging in constant combat operations that Iran would never have expected: that kind of ‘fire and fury’ that you were able to unleash from this flight deck, alongside other incredible Americans,” said Hegseth. “The only reaction the American people and the media should have is pride,” added the Pentagon chief. The Lincoln’s lengthy mission was marred by controversy. According to reports in recent weeks by Hung Cao, the acting Secretary of the Navy, eight members of staff assigned to the USS Lincoln strike group had attempted suicide during the record-breaking deployment at sea. Some US media outlets had also reported poor hygiene conditions and food shortages on board the vessel.
US: Hegseth welcomes the aircraft carrier Lincoln on its return to San Diego
Washington (US), 7 Oct. (LaPresse) – Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln back to San Diego upon their return to the United States. The vessel had been at sea for over 300 days, after its mission was extended in May as part of the conflict with Iran. “You rose to the challenge from the very first minute, engaging in constant combat operations that Iran would never have expected: that kind of ‘fire and fury’ that you were able to unleash from this flight deck, alongside other incredible Americans,” said Hegseth. “The only reaction the American people and the media should have is pride,” added the Pentagon chief. The Lincoln’s lengthy mission was marred by controversy. According to reports in recent weeks by Hung Cao, the acting Secretary of the Navy, eight members of staff assigned to the USS Lincoln strike group had attempted suicide during the record-breaking deployment at sea. Some US media outlets had also reported poor hygiene conditions and food shortages on board the vessel.