In apowerful op-ed, U.S. Central Command Commander Adm. Brad Cooper shares a firsthand account from his visit to the USS Abraham Lincoln.Adm. Cooper describes a crew of extraordinary American sailors whose unwavering dedication to their country, their mission, and each other continues to define one of the most intense and consequential deployments in modern naval history.

FromThe Wall Street Journal:

“It was an amazing visit. I was blown away by this strong group of high-achieving Americans standing tall with justified pride in everything they have accomplished. I also saw the reality of more than 260 days at sea with more than 150 days in a combat zone, while speaking with sailors in spaces most guests don’t see.

Recent media reporting has portrayed varying perspectives on operational tempo, crew morale and the realities facing our deployed forces. What I found aboard the Lincoln is that many elements of those stories are old news.

I chatted with junior enlisted personnel and junior officers in small groups. Issues related to food, hot water and other concerns raised months ago were addressed by leadership and resolved.

The crew is tired, but they continue to fire on all cylinders. History will record this deployment as one of the most operationally intense and consequential of the modern era.”

Click here to read the op-ed in full.