US commander says mental health a 'priority' on USS Lincoln
Adm Brad Cooper acknowledged that navy service at sea for long periods is "uniquely challenging and tough", following a visit to the warship.
Adm Brad Cooper, the top US military commander in the Middle East, emphasized mental health as a priority on the USS Lincoln after visiting the warship. The vessel, which has been at sea for over 240 days, currently houses the lowest number of mental health cases among 11 active US aircraft carriers. However, Adm Cooper acknowledged that extended periods at sea can be uniquely challenging for Navy personnel.
The USS Lincoln, with a crew of 5,000, has been supporting the US war against Iran and has faced concerns over poor sanitation, infrequent ports-of-call, broken plumbing, and shortages of fresh food. Thirteen Democrats on the Senate Armed Services Committee have criticized the deployment's length, calling it a modern-day record, while President Trump dismissed the concerns, saying "Not nearly long enough."
Family members of sailors aboard the Lincoln have expressed worry about their mental health deteriorating, with some sailors attempting to jump overboard. Adm Cooper praised the ship's leadership for prioritizing mental health and crew resilience.
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