USS Abraham Lincoln Aircraft Carrier Visits Thailand
LAEM CHABANG, Thailand — The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier docked Wednesday at a port in eastern Thailand. This marks the first time in over 280 days that thousands of U.S. sailors and Marines disembarked after a record-setting deployment in the Middle East.
The toll of the lengthy deployment, primarily spent supporting military operations in the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, was evident as the carrier arrived at Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi province. The 1,092-foot warship showed signs of wear, with paint faded and metal rusted.
The Lincoln is in Thailand for a four-day “rest and relaxation” stop en route back to San Diego. The extended deployment had previously sparked concerns regarding supply shortages and impacts on sailors’ mental health.
The U.S. Navy announced the arrival of the Lincoln strike group at Laem Chabang. Alongside, the destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. docked at nearby Sriracha, and the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls visited Map Ta Phut in Rayong province.
The Navy noted that this was the Lincoln’s first full port stop after spending 286 days at sea since its deployment began in November.
The arrival provides a well-deserved opportunity for sailors and Marines to rest and recharge. It underscores the strong partnership and alliance between the United States and Thailand.
— Rear Adm. Robert E. Loughran, Commander of Carrier Strike Group 3
Activity was visible on the Lincoln’s deck as announcements about disembarkation were broadcasted. Approximately 5,000 service members are expected to visit Pattaya, a nearby coastal resort city popular with tourists. Each member will receive three “liberty days” and one day of duty aboard the ship, a military official disclosed.
Locals in Pattaya, which heavily relies on tourism, have anticipated the Lincoln’s visit. The ship’s arrival is projected to contribute about $3 million to the local economy amid declining international tourist arrivals due to travel disruptions and high fuel prices caused by the Middle East conflict.
Security measures have been intensified with enhanced police patrols and checks. Businesses are welcoming sailors by displaying banners. Wichai Yuankham, a local factory worker, expressed excitement at the naval visit. “I am just excited to see the destroyer docking,” he shared. “This is my first time seeing the destroyer, and I feel good seeing it, and we can boast to our neighboring countries about this.”