Centcom chief visits US carrier enforcing Iran blockade amid reports of severe strain on crew

CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper commended the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln for their "awe-inspiring" resilience and camaraderie during a recent visit to the aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. Cooper noted that the USS Abraham Lincoln currently boasts one of the lowest rates of mental health-related cases among the US Navy's 11 active carriers, despite the challenges posed by long deployments at sea.

The admiral stressed the importance of treating mental health as a crucial aspect of overall wellbeing, praising the ship's leadership, especially senior enlisted leaders, for prioritizing crew resilience and mental health. Cooper's visit to the USS Abraham Lincoln marked the end of a 10-day Middle East tour, during which he met with US troops across the region, held talks with senior officials, and awarded several service members.

The carrier strike group, currently deployed in the Middle East, has been actively engaged in combat flights, regional security missions, and the US naval blockade against Iran, reflecting a high-intensity and consequential operation in modern times.