❌ Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM):

When I was aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln yesterday, I was very impressed. I wish every American could see the crew at work. By seeing their empathy, teamwork, and resilience, you shine with absolute pride.

This is an important fact: among the 11 active aircraft carriers in the U.S. Navy, the Lincoln is currently one of those with the fewest reported cases related to mental health.

This does not mean that everything is flawless. If you find any of the nearly 4 million retired Navy personnel in America today, they will probably tell you that long-term service at sea is not for everyone. This work is uniquely challenging and difficult, and each of us, including me, responds to stress in different ways.

I have always believed that mental health is another aspect of an individual’s health, and just as physical and spiritual health require attention, this also requires our attention. I commend the leadership of the USS Lincoln—especially the senior enlisted leaders in the wardroom—for taking the lead and making mental health and the crew’s resilience a leadership priority.

To all sailors and Marines currently on this ship, keep up your great work, and may wind and sea accompany you on your return home.