The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln docked at Laem Chabang port in Thailand on September 2, 2026, following more than 270 consecutive days at sea, setting a modern record for continuous deployment [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The ship carries roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

Originally deployed from San Diego in November 2025 for duty in the South China Sea, the carrier was redirected to the Middle East amid US-Israeli military operations against Iran [1, 4, 5, 6]. The deployment involved combat actions and naval blockade duties in the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran [4, 5, 6].

This visit to Thailand is the first port call the Lincoln has made since the start of its deployment, serving as rest and recuperation for the crew for about five days [2, 3, 5, 6]. The ship is accompanied by other US naval vessels, including the destroyer USS Frank E Petersen Jr [1, 2, 3, 6].

About 40 buses are transporting sailors and Marines between the port and the nearby resort city of Pattaya, a longtime US military rest destination known for tourism and its controversial sex industry despite prostitution being illegal in Thailand [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches said the visit "should help stimulate Pattaya’s economy in the short term" [1]. He also noted, "There are certain places and activities that the personnel are prohibited from participating in, such as all kinds of water sports, jet skiing, bungee jumping, wrestling, and boxing" [2].

Local Thai authorities increased patrols and conducted raids in Pattaya before the carrier’s arrival, detaining 40 to 50 people suspected of prostitution [1, 2, 3].

The ship has experienced challenges during deployment, including deteriorating living conditions, supply issues, falling morale, and mental health crises among crew members, including attempted suicides aboard [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Its exterior showed signs of wear like rust patches and faded paint, attributed to the lengthy deployment [6].

USS Abraham Lincoln’s commanding officer, Capt. Dan Keeler, said the conditions were "normal for a long deployment" and remarked simply, "That is what I think about that" [6]. Rear Admiral Robert Loughran called the port visit a "well-deserved opportunity for our Sailors and Marines to rest and recharge" [5].

US President Donald Trump rejected criticism of the deployment length, saying, "No, not nearly long enough" [6].

US personnel will spend approximately five days ashore before the Abraham Lincoln is expected to proceed to its next assignment [2, 3, 5, 6].