Admiral Brad Cooper visited the USS Lincoln and acknowledged that some sailors are experiencing mental-health challenges, while noting the carrier has relatively few reported cases among the Navy's 11 active carriers. He warned that long deployments at sea are "uniquely challenging and tough" and urged that mental health be treated with the same priority as physical and spiritual health. His remarks followed reports of food shortages, plumbing problems and a recent overboard incident in which a sailor was rescued.
CENTCOM Commander Acknowledges Mental-Health Strains Aboard USS Lincoln After Visit
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, acknowledged this weekend that some sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln are facing mental-health challenges following his visit to the ship.
In a statement shared on social media, Cooper noted that "of the U.S. Navy's 11 active aircraft carriers, the Lincoln currently has among the lowest number of cases related to mental health," but added, "this doesn't mean that all is perfect."
"I've long believed that mental health is another aspect of individual health and requires our attention just like physical health and spiritual health," Cooper said.
Cooper described extended deployments at sea as "uniquely challenging and tough," stressing the importance of prioritizing mental-health care for service members who spend long periods away from shore.
Context and Concerns
His visit and comments follow reports of difficult conditions aboard the USS Lincoln, including accounts of food shortages, plumbing failures and what some have described as declining crew wellbeing. Earlier this month, a sailor reportedly went overboard and was rescued.
Cooper's remarks underscore a broader concern across the fleet about how prolonged deployments and onboard conditions can affect sailors' mental and physical health. He emphasized that recognizing and addressing mental-health needs is as important as attending to physical and spiritual wellbeing.
What Happens Next: The Navy and military leadership are likely to review reports from the ship and consider measures to address material deficiencies and bolster mental-health support for the crew.
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