On Wednesday, the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier arrived at Laem Chabang, a port in eastern Thailand, marking a significant moment for thousands of U.S. sailors and Marines. They are disembarking for the first time in over 280 days, following a prolonged deployment in the Middle East.
The carrier, which is among the largest in the world, shows signs of wear. Its paint is chipped, and rust is visible on parts of the 1,092-foot structure. The deployment, lasting more than nine months, involved supporting military operations in the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. This stop provides a chance for a much-needed break as the carrier heads back to San Diego.
According to the U.S. Navy, the Lincoln strike group is stationed at Laem Chabang, accompanied by the destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. in Sriracha, and the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls in Map Ta Phut in the neighboring Rayong province. For these vessels, this marks the first full port stop after 286 days at sea since their departure in November.
“Our arrival in Laem Chabang offers a much-needed opportunity for relaxation and recovery for our sailors and Marines,” stated Rear Adm. Robert E. Loughran, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3. “It highlights the strong and ongoing partnership between the United States and Thailand.”
The streets of Pattaya, a popular coastal city nearby, are set to welcome around 5,000 sailors and Marines. They will enjoy three “liberty days” and one duty day aboard the ship. The local community anticipates a financial boost from their visit, expected to generate approximately $3 million for the economy.
Local businesses have prepared to welcome visiting service members, with some displaying banners. Authorities have increased security with additional police patrols. The USS Abraham Lincoln’s visit provides a welcome injection to Pattaya’s tourism-dependent economy, which has suffered from global travel disruptions and increased fuel prices due to Middle Eastern conflict.
Wichai Yuankham, a 35-year-old factory worker, expressed excitement about the naval visit. “It’s thrilling to see the destroyer docking,” he said. “It’s my first time viewing such a ship, and it gives us something to talk about with neighboring countries.”