Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, spoke highly of crew members aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln on Sunday amid reports that the sailors may be struggling with mental health and other problems.

The vessel has been at sea for more than 260 days and has played a key role in the U.S. war against Iran over the past nearly six months. The USS George Washington is en route to the Middle East to relieve the aircraft carrier from its extended deployment.