Admiral Denies Widespread Suicide Fears Among Lincoln Crew After Extended Deployment

US Central Command Admiral Brad Cooper told reporters that negative stories about the USS Abraham Lincoln are old news after he went aboard the vessel on Saturday. The aircraft carrier left port on November 21 with a plan to return in May, but its mission stretched indefinitely due to tensions with Iran. That decision kept more than 4,000 sailors at sea for nearly nine months. Relatives of those deployed started telling the press that their sons and husbands were burning out. Some even said they considered jumping overboard. On August 3, a sailor from the carrier's air wing entered rough waters while wearing a life vest in what the Navy called a mental health episode. A search and rescue helicopter pulled him from the sea within an hour according to CNN. Two wives gave separate accounts of their husbands allegedly trying to jump off the ship in interviews with Military Times.

Cooper released a statement that dismissed fears about widespread suicidal thoughts among crew members. On Sunday he posted on CENTCOM's X account that the Lincoln has among the lowest number of mental health cases out of the US Navy's 11 active aircraft carriers. In an opinion piece for the Wall Street Journal, Cooper wrote: "Recent media reporting has portrayed varying perspectives on operational tempo, crew morale and the realities facing our deployed forces." He added: "What I found aboard the Lincoln is that many elements of those stories are old news."

More than 200 family members met with acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao during an emotional town hall earlier this month. A spouse told Stars and Stripes she received a message from her husband on the same day saying he hopes he doesn't wake up tomorrow. A mother described how her daughter said she felt never going to come home and believed she was going to die on the ship. Relatives also pointed to food levels after pictures emerged showing meagre provisions. One parent with a child on board said they got a photo from mid-April that showed a tray with boiled carrots, a scoop of ground beef and a gray slice of dry-looking meat. Families also claimed there was mildew in showers and a lack of clean water before officials said those issues were resolved.

Congressional Democrats pushed for answers last week regarding the grim conditions on board an aircraft carrier. Senator Richard Blumenthal sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth outlining his worries. The USS Abraham Lincoln had been at sea for more than 250 days without touching land for over 200 of them, setting a new record.

The senator raised alarms about basic supply shortages, contaminated water, broken plumbing, and worsening mental health among the crew. He also pointed out safety issues on the deck. Reporters asked President Donald Trump if the deployment had simply lasted too long. The president replied that it was not nearly long enough.

A reporter showed a photo received by one parent of a sailor on the Lincoln. It dated from mid-April and depicted a sad-looking plate of food. Despite the complaints, an admiral named Cooper visited the ship. CENTCOM announced Sunday that the USS Abraham Lincoln's deployment is now ending.

Cooper shared his message in an op-ed piece. He told every sailor and Marine aboard: "You have delivered a performance for the ages, and now you are going home." The admiral praised these high-achieving Americans who stood tall with justified pride in their work. He admitted the crew was tired but noted they continued to fire on all cylinders.

The aircraft carrier achieved several major goals during this mission. It shot down more than 200 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps drones. The ship also executed hundreds of strikes on IRGC targets. Twice it enacted what officials called the most effective naval blockade in modern history.

Cooper thanked the families waiting at home. He said their strength made the service possible and that the long wait was coming to an end. He urged everyone to enjoy a well-deserved reunion soon. As the USS Abraham Lincoln prepares for its journey home, another carrier has left the Pacific. The USS George Washington departed to take its place.