Buses transporting USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier crew members arrived in the coastal city of Pattaya in Thailand on Thursday for a scheduled port call following an extended mission in the Middle East.
During its deployment in support of U.S. operations against Iran, the Lincoln set a new record with over 260 consecutive days at sea, raising concerns about crew mental health and food shortages onboard. Despite this, the U.S. Navy downplayed any issues, with President Donald Trump remarking that the deployment was deemed “inadequate.”
The total deployment duration for the Lincoln reached 286 days, with a continuous time at sea of 264 days before reaching Chonburi province. The ship is set to depart Thailand over the weekend to resume its journey back to the U.S.
Upon disembarking from buses with their luggage, crew members expressed enthusiasm about their visit to Thailand. Vendors and travel agents awaited them outside the Hard Rock Hotel, a hub for transporting crew members to and from the docked Lincoln.
Various souvenirs and services were offered to the service members, who engaged with vendors while awaiting transportation. Additionally, two other ships from the Lincoln’s strike group were stationed in different ports in Thailand.
A-ngoon Sombat, a vendor, traveled a considerable distance to sell her braided bracelets to the crew members, a tradition she upholds whenever a U.S. vessel visits Chonburi province. The crew members explored the Terminal 21 mall in Pattaya, enjoying their time on shore.
One young navigator aboard the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. destroyer shared his excitement about being in Thailand, noting the high morale among the crew. He refrained from commenting on reports regarding conditions aboard the Lincoln.
The arrival of the Lincoln at Laem Chabang Port drew spectators eager to catch a glimpse of the massive vessel, prompting admiration from locals and visitors alike. Among those captivated by the sight was an American resident who marveled at the technological prowess of the ship.
Captain Dan Keeler, the commanding officer of the Lincoln, hinted at the ship’s imminent return home while hinting at possible supply stops along the way. However, he avoided specifying the exact timeline for the strike group’s arrival in the U.S.