USS Abraham Lincoln Arrives in Thailand After Deployment

The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier docked at a port in eastern Thailand on Wednesday after its deployment in the Middle East. Associated Press journalists observed the Lincoln, which is carrying approximately 5,000 service members, as it entered Laem Chabang port in Chonburi province shortly after the destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. passed through the area. The ship had been supporting U.S. military operations in the region, including a record-setting uninterrupted time at sea of more than 250 days. Concerns have been raised regarding the Lincoln’s lengthy deployment, with reports indicating deteriorating mental health among the crew and shortages of supplies such as food and hygiene products. The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok confirmed the ship’s arrival in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the Lincoln’s strike group arrived in Laem Chabang, while the destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. docked at the nearby port of Sriracha, and the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls is in Map Ta Phut in neighboring Rayong province. This visit marks the Lincoln’s first full port stop after 286 days at sea since the start of its deployment in 2025. Captain Dan Keeler, the commanding officer of the Abraham Lincoln, stated, 'Abraham Lincoln’s visit to Laem Chabang is a clear demonstration of our enduring commitment to our allies and partners in Thailand, and we are all very excited to make Thailand the first port visit on our historic deployment.' The USS George Washington, which is usually based in Asia, relieved the long-deployed Lincoln in the Middle East in August. Many service members are expected to visit Pattaya, a nearby beach town. Thai officials indicated that the Lincoln’s stop would allow for rest and recovery before returning to its U.S. base. Pattaya officials welcomed the visit and the potential boost to the local economy, stating that authorities are enhancing security to ensure a smooth visit.