USS Abraham Lincoln Arrives in Thailand After Record 200 Days at Sea

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrived at Thailand’s Laem Chabang port on Wednesday morning after spending more than 200 consecutive days at sea, including an extended deployment in the Middle East.

Carrying roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines, the Abraham Lincoln has set a modern-day U.S. Navy record for consecutive days at sea, according to Democratic lawmakers. Reports of mental health concerns and worsening conditions aboard the carrier have emerged following the unusually long period without a port visit.

U.S. Navy deployments typically last between six and nine months, although operations can be extended during conflicts and other military contingencies.

The Abraham Lincoln arrived alongside other U.S. naval vessels and is scheduled to remain in Thailand for five days of rest and recuperation. Thailand is the United States’ only treaty ally in mainland Southeast Asia, making the visit significant for longstanding U.S.-Thailand defense relations.

The arrival of thousands of American military personnel is also expected to provide an economic boost to Pattaya, the popular resort city near Laem Chabang. Pattaya is known for its beaches and nightlife but also has a longstanding reputation as a sex tourism destination.

Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches said around 40 buses will transport U.S. personnel between the Laem Chabang port and Pattaya during the visit. He added that service members will be prohibited from participating in certain activities, including water sports, jet skiing, bungee jumping, wrestling and boxing.

Local authorities are increasing security ahead of the influx of visitors. Police plan to deploy additional patrols around Pattaya’s beachfront and major nightlife areas.

The heightened security follows weekend raids in which authorities detained between 40 and 50 people on suspicion of involvement in prostitution, according to officials.

Prostitution remains illegal under Thai law, although the sex industry is highly visible in major tourism destinations such as Pattaya and parts of Bangkok. Thai authorities periodically conduct enforcement operations targeting illegal activities connected to the industry.

The five-day Thailand stop gives the Abraham Lincoln crew a rare opportunity for shore leave after its lengthy deployment while bringing thousands of U.S. military visitors to one of Thailand’s busiest tourism regions.