The battle-worn USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier docked in Thailand on Wednesday after a grueling 286 days at sea — allowing the 5,000 sailors and Marines to finally step foot on dry land.
The carrier docked at the Laem Chabang port, just north of the notorious tourist city of Pattaya.
The troops are set to enjoy rest and relaxation after serving at the tip of the spear during the Iran War — enforcing President Trump’s blockade and launching strikes on Tehran’s military sites.
“Abraham Lincoln’s visit to Laem Chabang is a clear demonstration of our enduring commitment to our allies and partners in Thailand, and we are all very excited to make Thailand the first port visit on our historic deployment,” Capt. Dan Keeler, Abraham Lincoln’s commanding officer, said in the statement.
Photos show rust and algae along the hull of the 1,1000-foot ship — a common sight for warships after long deployments. The nuclear-powere daircraft carrier has been compared to a floating city for its massive size and the resources it takes to operate it.
The service members are expected to visit the popular beach town of Pattaya — long known for its sex tourist — after completing one of the American sea deployment since the Cold War.
The trip to Thailand comes after the families of the soldiers raised concerns about reports of deteriorating conditions aboard the warship.
The ship, which was deployed from San Diego last November, was pulled from the Middle East after the Navy Times and Stars and Stripes reported two suicide attempts aboard the ship and the ongoing decline in morale over the prolonged deployment.
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth downplayed the incidents on board and claimed the reports “completely misrepresented” the conditions on the Lincoln.
The Lincoln was relieved of duty by the USS Geroge Washington — which steamed to the Middle East from Japan.
Prior to its arrival in Thailand, the Lincoln’s social media pages were filled with photos of barbecue’s aboard the carrier and troops taking part in fitness competitions.
Pattaya officials have prepared the town for the troops’ arrival, with security forces cracking down in the area.
Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches hailed the arrival as a boost to the local economy, estimating that each service member could spend between 1,000 and 3,000 baht, or roughly $30 to $91, per day depending on how long they stay ashore and whether they stay overnight.
After its rest in Thailand, the Lincoln is expected to return to its US base in San Diego for regular maintenance.
With Post Wires
