Watch live: Hegseth delivers remarks as USS Abraham Lincoln returns

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will welcome home sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln Wednesday afternoon in San Diego, following the aircraft carrier’s extended deployment to the Middle East.

Hegseth is set to address the crew as the aircraft carrier returns to the U.S. after more than 280 days without a port call, including military operations against Iran.

The lengthy term drew scrutiny from lawmakers over reports of food and supply shortages , poor living conditions and sailors’ deteriorating mental health. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao also recently told Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) that eight sailors assigned to the carrier strike group attempted suicide during the deployment.

Hegseth and President Trump have defended conditions aboard the ship, arguing that the reports “completely misrepresented” the situation.

The Pentagon chief’s remarks are scheduled to begin at 2:10 p.m. EDT.