CENTCOM commander visits USS Abraham Lincoln amid mental health concerns

The top leader for U.S. Central Command visited the crew of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln on Saturday after reports emerged of deteriorating mental health and declining morale aboard the ship. Adm. Brad Cooper met with sailors and Marines after Military Times learned that two service members attempted to jump overboard during the Lincoln’s extended deployment of more than 260 days. “Of the U.S. Navy’s 11 active aircraft carriers, the Lincoln currently has among the lowest number of cases related to mental health,” Cooper said in a social media statement . Cooper conceded that not everything was perfect aboard the ship and that service at sea is challenging and affects each sailor differently. Cooper’s visit came during a 10-day trip to the Middle East that saw him meet with civilian and military leaders from six countries, including Israel and Iraq. Cooper last visited the Lincoln in February near the start of Operation Epic Fury. Family members of service members aboard the Lincoln raised concerns on Aug. 6 during a town-hall meeting with Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao and other senior military officials. Roughly 200 in-person attendees described worries that their loved ones were experiencing thoughts of self-harm during an extended deployment in which sailors haven’t had a port call in over 240 days. The Lincoln stopped in Guam in December 2025 for a port call and then again for one in July in Oman. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said in a letter to Defens…