Hegseth praises sailors’ resilience after record-breaking carrier deployment
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US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth accused reporters of trying to turn the crew of the Lincoln strike group into symbols of dysfunction instead of heroes of the conflict.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth praised USS Abraham Lincoln sailors for resilience.
- The carrier carried out major Iran war strikes, including 3,693 sorties and 1.37 million pounds of ordnance, with no casualties or aircraft mishaps.
- The return comes as the US-Iran war affects energy prices and Trump weighs further action, while Iran faces pressure over uranium enrichment.
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WASHINGTON – US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth flew to the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln on Oct 7 and praised the resilience of sailors who endured an extended, wartime deployment that drew scrutiny over suicide attempts on board.
The Lincoln, which is due to dock on Oct 8 in San Diego, is the flagship of a carrier strike group that had eight suicide attempts among US sailors during its time at sea, according to the Navy. Its deployment included 264 continuous days without a port call, a record, according to the Pentagon.
Hegseth, whose speeches regularly target the media, accused reporters of trying to turn the crew of the Lincoln strike group into symbols of dysfunction instead of heroes of the conflict, and presented a citation from US President Donald Trump for their achievements during the Iran war.
The Lincoln’s accomplishments included sinking 64 Iranian warships, destroying 21 anti-ship cruise missiles, executing 3,693 combat sorties, launching 450 Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles and firing 1.37 million pounds of ordnance against Iran, he said.
Despite the fast pace of combat operations, he added, it suffered no casualties and had no aircraft mishaps.
“What makes the US military and the US Navy and all these sailors different is that you adapt and that you’re resilient and you overcome – you finish the mission nonetheless,” he told the crew. “Yes, it’s hard. That’s why you’re here. You do difficult and hard things.”
Typically, naval deployments are for between six and nine months but can be extended during times of conflict. Mental health issues on long deployments have long challenged the US Navy.
In August, amid reports of low morale and supply shortages on board, Trump was asked whether he thought the Lincoln had been deployed too long. His reply: “No, no, no. Not nearly long enough.”
Hegseth acknowledged some challenges on board, saying: “There wasn’t an easy resupply.”
Ahead of the carrier’s return to port, Hegseth joked that he was “the only thing standing between you and home” and that he was also the one who signed the orders repeatedly extending the deployment. “You deserve to see your families and see them as soon as possible,” he said, adding that he just wanted to see them for “a moment on the route, on the way in, just to say thank you”.
The carrier’s return comes at a crossroads in the US-Iran war, which has jolted global energy markets and become a political liability for Trump and fellow Republicans ahead of November midterm elections.
The war – and its US$3 billion (S$3.8 billion) monthly price tag – has become a key issue on the campaign trail. Higher energy prices have put Trump and the Republicans on the defensive in competitive states that will decide control of Congress.
Trump is weighing next steps against Iran, including whether to escalate strikes before or after the elections, as he presses a naval blockade meant to pile economic pressure on Tehran to reach a deal to end the conflict.
Vice-President J.D. Vance said on Oct 5 that Iran must make a “meaningful” reduction in its uranium enrichment capacity to satisfy US demands and end the seven-month war.
Hegseth said the crew of the Lincoln had helped ensure the US’ objective of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
“You have changed the arc of history,” he told them on Oct 7. REUTERS