The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier returned to San Diego on Thursday, October 8, after a 321-day deployment that included extensive military operations in the Middle East.

The carrier and its strike group supported U.S. military operations against Iran, conducting thousands of combat missions before beginning their journey home.

The deployment was extended twice, keeping thousands of sailors at sea for more than 10 months and setting a record of 265 consecutive days without a port visit.

The extended mission drew concerns about supply shortages, low morale and crew members’ mental health, including reports that eight sailors attempted suicide, NBC News has reported.

Families and friends gathered to welcome the crew home as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the sailors’ performance and presented the strike group with the Presidential Unit Citation for its service during combat operations.