Top commander lauds USS Lincoln leadership amid mental health concerns

The top US military commander in the Middle East praised the leadership of the long-deployed USS Lincoln after visiting the sailors on the vessel during a regional tour that ended on Saturday, the US Central Command said.

Admiral Brad Cooper visited the USS Lincoln as reports emerged of mental health and supply issues.

The Lincoln arrived in the Middle East in January and has been supporting the US war against Iran, including the blockade on Iranian ports.

It has spent a record-setting uninterrupted time at sea of more than 240 days.

Extended deployments of carriers, which can have more than 5,000 sailors and Marines on board, have raised concerns.

In a statement on Sunday, Cooper also praised the leadership on the carrier for making mental health and resilience a priority.

The US Navy's blockade is in response to Iran asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz after tensions started on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes.