- Adm. Brad Cooper visited the USS Abraham Lincoln as part of a recent trip to the Middle East, amid rising concerns over the mental health of crew members due to the ship’s long deployment.
- Cooper said, “History will record this deployment as one of the most operationally intense and consequential of the modern era,” and thanked the Lincoln crew for their “tremendous dedication and courage.”
- Cooper’s visit aboard the Lincoln was his second of the year, having previously visited in February with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
- The commander’s latest visit came during a 10-day trip to the Middle East where he met with senior civilian and military leaders in Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Adm. Brad Cooper, chief of US Central Command, visited the USS Abraham Lincoln for the second time this year, addressing concerns over crew morale amid a lengthy deployment. The carrier, which has been in the Middle East since January, has played a pivotal role in the US military's operations against Iran.123
Cooper emphasized the significance of the deployment, stating, “History will record this deployment as one of the most operationally intense and consequential of the modern era.” His visit coincided with a 10-day trip to the region, where he engaged with senior leaders in several countries, including Bahrain and Iraq.5
The USS Abraham Lincoln's extended mission has raised alarms about the mental health of its crew, with reports indicating low morale and concerns from families back home. The ship's combat operations have limited its ability to dock at friendly ports for resupply and rest, exceeding the Navy's recommended deployment duration of seven months.
Cooper acknowledged the crew's dedication, stating, “tremendous dedication and courage,” as they continue to support critical military objectives in a challenging environment. His previous visit in February included notable figures such as US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, underscoring the importance of the Lincoln's mission in the region.4
“Cooper's latest visit came during a 10-day Middle East trip where he met leaders in Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. His first visit this year was in February alongside US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.”
