Ankara: The head of US Central Command has defended the conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, highlighting its low number of mental health cases compared to other carriers in the US Navy’s fleet.

According to Anadolu Agency, Adm. Brad Cooper issued a statement on Sunday following his visit to the aircraft carrier, stating that “Of the U.S. Navy’s 11 active aircraft carriers, the Lincoln currently has among the lowest number of cases related to mental health.” His remarks aimed to address concerns about the mental well-being of sailors aboard the vessel.

Cooper acknowledged that while the Lincoln’s statistics are promising, it does not imply that conditions are flawless. He noted that prolonged service at sea presents “uniquely challenging” circumstances, and individuals may react differently to these stressors. Despite the challenges, he praised the crew’s “awe-inspiring” resilience and teamwork.

The admiral’s comments follow a letter from House Democrats to Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao, expressing alarm over “deeply troubling reports” about the sailors’ well-being and ship conditions. Family members have also voiced concerns, with some reports alleging incidents of sailors attempting to jump overboard due to extreme conditions.

The statement from Cooper comes as the US plans to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln with the USS George Washington, amid ongoing concerns about the conditions related to prolonged deployments.