The head of CENTCOM called the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln one of the most challenging
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, visited the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea and described the deployment of its strike group as one of the most operationally demanding and important in the modern era. Fortune reported this, citing a statement from U.S. Central Command.
The visit took place during Cooper’s 10-day tour of the region, which concluded on Saturday. According to CENTCOM, the commander also met with civilian and military leaders from Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in the Middle East in January and is supporting U.S. operations in the war against Iran, including the blockade of Iranian ports. The aircraft carrier has been at sea continuously for more than 240 days—a record duration for this deployment.
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Cooper’s visit took place amid reports of mental health issues among the crew and supply problems aboard the ship. Extended missions by aircraft carriers, which can carry more than 5,000 sailors and Marines, raise concerns about their impact on both the ships and the service members.
According to the publication, the U.S. Navy imposed the blockade after Iran declared control over the Strait of Hormuz. Before the war began on February 28, approximately one-fifth of global oil and natural gas trade passed through the strait at the exit from the Persian Gulf. Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran have stalled, while Tehran is discussing the management of the strait with Oman.
