US Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln Departs Thailand After Five-Day Visit

The US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln departed Thailand on Sunday following a five-day port visit, concluding a break from an extended deployment that included operations in the Middle East, according to the US Navy. US Navy Captain Dan Keeler, the commanding officer of the Abraham Lincoln, expressed gratitude for the hospitality received from the people of Thailand in a statement. Naval deployments typically last between six to nine months, but can be extended during times of conflict. The nuclear-powered Lincoln, which has approximately 5,000 personnel, has been involved in the US naval blockade and combat operations related to the war with Iran, and has reportedly set a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea, according to Democratic lawmakers. The Lincoln, accompanied by other US naval vessels, arrived in Thailand early on Wednesday, marking a visit that Thai officials indicated would last five days. Sailors and Marines, dressed in civilian clothing, began arriving at a hotel in Pattaya, a resort city located about 150 kilometers (93 miles) southeast of Bangkok, shortly after the ships docked.