Bangkok
The U.S. aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln left Thailand on Sunday after a five-day port visit, ending a respite from an extended deployment that included operations in the Middle East, the U.S. Navy said.
The nuclear-powered carrier, accompanied by other naval vessels, arrived in Thailand on Wednesday. The visit offered thousands of sailors and Marines a break after months of demanding operations at sea.
Captain Dan Keeler, the Abraham Lincoln’s commanding officer, thanked the Thai people for their hospitality, highlighting the friendly reception during the ship’s stay. Busloads of sailors and Marines in civilian clothes arrived at hotels in Pattaya, a resort city around 150 kilometres southeast of Bangkok, shortly after the ships docked.
The Lincoln carries roughly 5,000 personnel and has been involved in U.S. naval operations linked to the conflict with Iran, including a naval blockade and combat missions. Democratic lawmakers have said the carrier set a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea during the deployment.
Naval deployments normally last between six and nine months, but conflicts can significantly extend those periods. The Lincoln’s extended mission underscores the operational demands placed on U.S. naval forces during periods of heightened regional tension.
Thailand is the United States’ only treaty partner in mainland Southeast Asia, making the port call strategically and diplomatically significant. The visit also provided a rare opportunity for personnel to rest and interact with local communities.
After five days in Thailand, the carrier resumed its deployment, with the Navy offering no details about its next operational destination.
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Abraham Lincoln stay
Personnel: Roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines
Visit: Five days in Thailand
Arrival: Wednesday
Departure: Sunday
Location: Pattaya, about 150 km southeast of Bangkok
Role: Middle East naval operations and combat missions
