By Tony Czuczka
Aug 16, 2026 (Bloomberg) – A high-ranking US military officer has expressed concern over mental health issues after meeting the crew on the USS Abraham Lincoln. This aircraft carrier has been facing complaints during its extended deployment in the Iran war.
Admiral Brad Cooper visited the ship while it was in the Arabian Sea, following frustration among family members regarding reports of food shortages, contaminated water, moldy showers, and long work hours during wartime. The Lincoln has been deployed without a port visit for over 200 days. Some families have reported that the situation has become so serious that some sailors have considered jumping overboard.
Admiral Cooper noted that the Lincoln has “one of the lowest rates of mental health issues” among the 11 active aircraft carriers in the US Navy. However, he acknowledged that “this doesn’t mean everything is perfect,” and added that “long periods of service at sea are not suitable for everyone.”
President Donald Trump downplayed worries about the ship’s conditions on Friday when asked whether families were concerned. “No, they’re not,” he told reporters, asserting that the deployments have not lasted “nearly long enough.”
Typically, the US Navy plans aircraft carrier deployments to last around seven months. However, the Lincoln has been at sea for about nine months, including several months of active combat in Iran.
“I have always believed that mental health is a crucial part of overall individual health and deserves just as much attention as physical and spiritual health,” Cooper stated after his visit. He emphasized that senior leaders on the ship are prioritizing mental health and crew resilience.