The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier arrived Wednesday at a port in eastern Thailand, marking the first full port visit for the warship after a record-setting deployment of more than nine months, most of it spent supporting military operations in the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
The 1,092-foot nuclear-powered carrier, one of the largest warships in the world, pulled into Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi province. The toll of the lengthy deployment was visible on the vessel: paint has worn off and rust now covers parts of the metal hull.
A Well-Deserved Break for Crew
The Lincoln is in Thailand for a four-day “rest and relaxation” stop on its way back to its homeport in San Diego. The deployment had raised concerns about supply shortages and the mental health of sailors, and the arrival provides a chance for the crew to unwind.
“Our arrival in Laem Chabang provides a well-deserved opportunity for our sailors and Marines to rest and recharge,” said Rear Adm. Robert E. Loughran, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3. “It also underscores the strong and enduring partnership and alliance between the United States and Thailand.”
The U.S. Navy confirmed that the Lincoln strike group arrived in Laem Chabang, while the destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. docked in nearby Sriracha and the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls went to Map Ta Phut in neighboring Rayong province. This is the Lincoln’s first full port stop after 286 days at sea since the deployment began in November.
Liberty Days in Pattaya
About 5,000 sailors and Marines are expected to visit Pattaya, a coastal resort city near the port and one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. Each service member will receive three “liberty days” and one day of duty aboard the ship, according to a U.S. military official.
Upon arrival in the morning, service members worked on the deck as loudspeakers played announcements about the disembarkation process. A whistle rang across the deck, a Navy tradition signaling coming ashore. Around 1 p.m. local time, sailors began leaving the ship in civilian clothes, some carrying backpacks. Dozens of Ford pickup trucks were lined up to take them into town.
“Please be on your best behavior,” a commanding officer could be heard saying over the loudspeaker.
Economic Boost for Pattaya
Locals in tourism-dependent Pattaya have eagerly awaited the Lincoln’s arrival, which came into view from the shore after sunrise before making a wide turn and docking at a major cargo terminal. International tourist arrivals in Pattaya have dropped due to travel disruptions and soaring fuel prices stemming from the Middle East conflict, and officials say the visit is expected to inject about $3 million into the local economy.
Authorities have stepped up security, with heightened police patrols and checks along the roads. Businesses are also trying to attract the sailors, with some putting up welcome banners.
Wichai Yuankham, 35, a factory worker who came to watch the ships arrive, said the naval visit was a welcome boost. “I am just excited to see the destroyer docking,” he said. “This is my first time seeing the destroyer, and I feel good seeing it, and we can boast to our neighboring countries about this.”
