The USS Abraham Lincoln arrived off the Thai coast on Wednesday, marking its first port call in nine months. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, carrying 5,000 sailors and Marines, was guided toward the port of Laem Chabang by tugboats, with an official in Pattaya confirming the vessel was scheduled to dock shortly before midday.
This visit to the Thai resort city serves as a rest-and-recreation stop for the crew, a tradition for U.S. military personnel in the region dating back to the Vietnam War. The ship departed California in November 2025 for operations in the South China Sea, but was subsequently rerouted to the Middle East to participate in the conflict involving U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran that began six months ago.
The deployment has been marked by significant controversy. Reports of deteriorating living conditions, including broken plumbing and food shortages, alongside concerns regarding the mental health of the crew, have drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers in the United States. President Donald Trump has dismissed these concerns, and in mid-August, acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao stated that only a small number of mental health cases were treated with no loss of life, accusing the media of attempting to portray military personnel as victims.
Pattaya’s mayor, Poramase Ngampiches, noted that local authorities have arranged bus transport to shuttle sailors between the ship and the city until its scheduled departure on Sunday. While the mayor confirmed a recent crackdown on sex workers in the area, he denied any connection to the arrival of the U.S. troops. In a video posted to Facebook, the mayor stated, “They come to relax,” adding that local preparations are focused on ensuring safety and fair pricing for the visitors.
Local business owners are preparing for the influx of personnel. Nicko, a French owner of a go-go bar in the city, expressed optimism about the business opportunity while noting the need for caution regarding alcohol consumption. Some local establishments have already displayed signs welcoming the troops, with one reading, “Welcome all US military personnel. Thank you for your service.”
To maintain order, the mayor confirmed that sailors have been prohibited from participating in water sports like jet skiing and are restricted from accessing Thailand’s cannabis market. Instead, they are encouraged to visit local malls and religious sites.
The strategic landscape in the Middle East remains active as the USS Abraham Lincoln concludes its mission. The U.S. has maintained a carrier presence in the Arabian Sea since late February to conduct strike missions and enforce a naval blockade of Iranian ports. The USS George Washington, previously stationed in Japan, has replaced the Lincoln in the region. According to the U.S. Naval Institute, the USS Theodore Roosevelt is expected to sail from San Diego in the coming weeks to provide further relief. The report also notes that dozens of warplanes lined up on its flight deck, towards the port of Laem Chabang on Wednesday morning, AFP reporters saw, tugs guided the huge nuclear-powered carrier. The report also notes that known for its beaches and a nightlife scene that has long drawn scrutiny over sex tourism, pattaya is hugely popular with foreign tourists. The report also notes that so we don’t take advantage of them, our preparations will focus on safety and ensuring fair pricing. The report also notes that things can get out of hand with alcohol involved, we’ll have to be careful because as we know. The report also notes that uSS Lincoln sails past Singapore on its way home. The report also notes that uS Navy carrier to return after 266 days on deployment. The report also notes that uS CENTCOM chief ends high-stakes Middle East tour.
Source: Gulf News
