Archive · 16 Aug 2026
CENTCOM Chief Concludes West Asia Tour; Lincoln to Return
A very important American general went on a big trip to the Middle East.
His name is Admiral Brad Cooper, and he is the boss of CENTCOM, the US command that runs military missions there.
He visited six countries in West Asia: Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The trip lasted ten days and ended on August 15.
He also visited a giant aircraft carrier at sea called the USS Abraham Lincoln.
More than 50,000 American soldiers and sailors are working in that part of the world right now.
The trip happened while the US and Iran are arguing over the Strait of Hormuz, a very important waterway.
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been away from home for more than 250 days, which is a very long time.
Some people worry the sailors are tired and stressed, and their families and Congress are paying attention.
The Navy says the ship did a great job and will be coming home soon, which is good news for the sailors and their families.
CENTCOM Commander Adm Brad Cooper concluded a 10-day West Asia tour on August 15.
Cooper met senior leaders in Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
More than 50,000 US service members are currently operating across West Asia, according to CENTCOM.
The visit came amid US-Iran tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is set to return to the US after a deployment of more than 250 days, as reports cite low morale and mental health concerns among sailors.
- Who
- Adm Brad Cooper, Commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), along with leaders in six West Asian countries and crews aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
- What
- Cooper completed a 10-day tour of West Asia, and the USS Abraham Lincoln prepared to return home after a deployment of more than 250 days.
- When
- The tour concluded on August 15; the carrier's return is expected soon after its extended deployment.
- Where
- Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Arabian Sea.
- Why
- The visit took place amid US-Iran tensions and the ongoing US naval blockade on Iran, with both nations claiming control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Troop Welfare Concerns
Mission Success Statements
Assessment of the Lincoln deployment
Troop Welfare Concerns
Reports of low morale and mental health concerns among sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have drawn scrutiny from the US Congress and families of service members.
Mission Success Statements
Navy leadership praised the deployment, with Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao saying the carrier 'crushed their deployment' and that crew safety and welfare are the Navy's priority.
- Commander
- Adm Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Commander
- Tour duration
- 10 days, concluded August 15
- Countries visited
- 6 - Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, UAE
- US service members in West Asia
- More than 50,000
- Aircraft carrier
- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
- Deployment length
- More than 250 days
- CJTF-OIR command change
- Maj Gen Kevin Lambert to Rear Adm Liam Hulin, August 11, Jordan
- Acting Navy Secretary
- Hung Cao