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Home News US CENTCOM Chief Ends Middle East Tour as USS Lincoln Departs

US CENTCOM Chief Concludes Middle East Tour as USS Lincoln Departs

Aug 16, 2026
65 min
8
Aug 16, 2026 04:31
US CENTCOM chief ends high-stakes 10-day West Asia tour as USS Lincoln prepares to depart

## Overview of the Tour

Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), has wrapped up a significant 10-day visit to the Middle East. His itinerary included stops in Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, where he engaged with senior officials and US troops stationed in the region.

## Key Activities

During his tour, Cooper acknowledged the efforts of high-performing service members and participated in a change of command ceremony for the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve in Jordan. This event marked the transition of leadership from Major General Kevin Lambert to Rear Admiral Liam Hulin.

## Visit to USS Abraham Lincoln

Cooper also visited the USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier stationed in the Arabian Sea. This marked his second visit to the carrier this year. He commended the crew for their dedication and awarded several junior service members for their contributions. The carrier's deployment has been described as one of the most intense and impactful in recent times.

## Deployment Details

The USS Abraham Lincoln, which began its deployment in November, has been active in the Middle East since January. The carrier strike group has conducted numerous combat flights supporting Operation Epic Fury and regional security missions, as well as participating in the US naval blockade against Iran.

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