USS Abraham Lincoln Shows Signs of Rust After Extended Deployment

The USS Abraham Lincoln, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, arrived at Laem Chabang Port in Thailand on September 2 after a lengthy deployment in the Middle East. Observers noted significant rust on the ship, which the Navy attributed to 286 days at sea since its departure from San Diego in November 2025. Experts, including former US Navy captain Carl Schuster, stated that rust along the waterline is common for ships that have been at sea for extended periods. Schuster explained that addressing the rust issue requires dry docking, which is not feasible during combat operations. He estimated that approximately 30 days of preservation work would be necessary to remove the rust. During the port visit, the crew is expected to focus on high-priority maintenance tasks, particularly on areas most affected by corrosion. Schuster emphasized the importance of early rust treatment to prevent more significant structural issues. Additionally, reports have emerged regarding morale problems among the crew, attributed to supply shortages and other factors. While President Donald Trump has previously expressed concerns about the condition of Navy ships, he has not commented on the Lincoln's state since its arrival in Thailand.