The USS Abraham Lincoln is on its way back home following an extended nine-month deployment, a U.S. official told NBC News on Thursday.
\n\nThe U.S. official said that the ship has been sailing for a few days and is expected to arrive back in San Diego in a few weeks.
\n\nWith the Lincoln’s departure from the Middle East, where it was supporting the U.S. war against Iran, the USS George Washington arrived in the region Wednesday to begin a deployment, according to U.S. Central Command.
\n\nCENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal on Sunday that he visited the crew of the Lincoln on Saturday to announce their return home.
\n\n“I delivered the words every deployed sailor and Marine longs to hear: ‘You have delivered a performance for the ages, and now you are going home,’” Cooper wrote.
\n\nThe Lincoln, which has been at sea for more than 250 days, has 5,000 sailors and Marines on board. The deployment has been marred by reports of deteriorating conditions.
\n\nFamily members of those onboard have told NBC News that conditions have been grim, citing a lack of supplies and food and a rising concern for worsening…
Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/