Buses transporting crew members of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier arrived in Pattaya, Thailand, for a port call following an extended deployment in the Middle East. The Lincoln, which played a role in the U.S. operations against Iran, set a new record with over 260 days at sea, raising concerns about crew mental health and food shortages onboard.
Despite reports of challenges, the U.S. Navy downplayed issues, with President Trump expressing that the deployment was insufficiently long. The ship spent a total of 286 days deployed, with an uninterrupted sea time of 264 days before reaching Chonburi province.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is scheduled to depart Thailand this weekend en route back to the United States. Service members expressed excitement upon arrival in Thailand, with vendors and travel agents awaiting them at the designated drop-off point, offering various souvenirs and services.
Additional ships from the Lincoln’s strike group are stationed in different Thai ports. Local vendors, like A-ngoon Sombat, traveled long distances to engage with the visiting crew, hoping for successful sales during the port call.
As service members explored Pattaya, the morale was reported as high among crew members, eager to head home after their deployment. Visitors outside Laem Chabang Port marveled at the sight of the massive USS Abraham Lincoln, engaging in conversations about its technological marvels.
American expatriate Keith Eldridge, impressed by the engineering feat of the aircraft carrier, visited the viewing spot, emphasizing the awe-inspiring nature of the vessel. The ship’s commanding officer, Capt. Dan Keeler, hinted at potential supply stops before the ship’s final journey home, without revealing a specific return date for the strike group.
In the bustling city of Pattaya, the USS Abraham Lincoln crew enjoyed their time ashore, engaging with vendors and locals, creating a vibrant atmosphere during the port call.