Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, praised the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln on Sunday, acknowledging their resilience amid reports of mental health struggles and other issues. The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed at sea for over 260 days, playing a significant role in U.S. operations against Iran over the past six months. The USS George Washington is scheduled to relieve the Lincoln in the Middle East.
During his visit, Cooper described the crew's camaraderie and teamwork as 'awe-inspiring' and noted that the Lincoln has one of the lowest mental health case rates among active U.S. aircraft carriers. However, he cautioned that not everything is 'perfect,' emphasizing the unique challenges of long deployments.
Cooper highlighted the importance of mental health, stating that it requires attention alongside physical and spiritual health. He commended the leadership aboard the Lincoln for prioritizing mental health and crew resilience.
Concerns have been raised regarding supply shortages, water contamination, plumbing issues, and deck safety on the vessel. Military families have expressed these concerns to the administration, but President Donald Trump and War Secretary Pete Hegseth have downplayed the situation. In a CBS News interview, Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) criticized the president's remarks and called for congressional oversight, expressing the need for military officials to address these issues.
Bacon shared his own experiences from his time on an aircraft carrier, noting the mental toll of extended deployments. The Lincoln has not returned to port for over 200 days, which has tested the crew's limits. Cooper's visit was part of a 10-day trip to the Middle East, where he commended the crew for their dedication and courage, stating that this deployment will be remembered as one of the most operationally intense in recent history.