Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, visited the USS Lincoln after its nearly nine-month deployment.

During the visit, Cooper acknowledged the significant hardships faced by the crew but praised their resilience and dedication. He noted that despite the extended deployment, mental health issues among the sailors were lower than on other vessels.

Cooper's comments highlight the challenges of prolonged naval deployments while recognizing the exceptional performance of the Lincoln's crew. The visit underscored the importance of mental health support and crew welfare during lengthy missions.

The USS Lincoln's deployment represents one of the longest carrier deployments in recent years, demonstrating the Navy's commitment to global operations while maintaining crew readiness and morale.