STATEMENT FROM COMMANDER OF U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND

“My time aboard USS Abraham Lincoln yesterday was awe inspiring. I wish every American could see the crew in action. You would beam with absolute pride when witnessing their camaraderie, teamwork and resilience.

Here’s an important fact: Of the U.S. Navy’s 11 active aircraft carriers, the Lincoln currently has among the lowest number of cases related to mental health.

This doesn’t mean that all is perfect. Find any of the nearly 4 million Navy veterans in America today and they will likely tell you that service at sea for long periods isn’t for everyone. It is uniquely challenging and tough, and every single one of us, including me, reacts to stressors in different ways.

I’ve long believed that mental health is another aspect of individual health and requires our attention just like physical health and spiritual health.

I applaud Lincoln’s leadership, the senior enlisted leaders in the Chief Petty Officers Mess in particular, for stepping up and making mental health and crew resilience a leadership priority.

To all our Sailors and Marines aboard the ship, keep up the great work and fair winds and following seas on the journey home.”

Adm. Brad Cooper, @CENTCOM Commander