US commander says mental health a ‘priority’ on USS Lincoln
The top US military commander in the Middle East has said mental health is a ‘priority’ on the warship USS Lincoln, following reports of difficult conditions on board the long‑deployed ship.
Admiral Brad Cooper visited the vessel on Saturday and said it had ‘among the lowest number of cases related to mental health’ out of 11 active US aircraft carriers. However, he acknowledged the unique challenges of long sea duty.
The Lincoln arrived in the Middle East in January to support the US war against Iran, including blockading Iranian ports, and has spent a record‑setting uninterrupted time at sea – more than 240 days.
Family members of sailors aboard have expressed concern as some reports suggest mental health issues have worsened, with incidents of sailors attempting to jump overboard.
Cooper emphasized that “mental health is another aspect of individual health and requires our attention just like physical health and spiritual health.” He praised the leadership aboard the Lincoln for prioritising crew resilience.
The Navy has denied a crisis, but has acknowledged supply challenges. Senate armed services members and President Trump have weighed in, describing the deployment as ‘not nearly long enough.’ The ship has also faced sanitation, plumbing, and food shortages.
The USS George Washington is reportedly heading to replace the Lincoln, expected to arrive in the region in about a week.
U.S. soldiers and their families can find support resources listed in the article’s final section.
