USS Abraham Lincoln heads to Thailand after 250 days at sea

The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, which had been deployed to the Middle East due to the Iran conflict, is making its way to Thailand for a port visit after an unprecedented 250-day stint at sea, according to USA Today. The carrier departed Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California, on November 21, 2025, with its crew anticipating a six-month deployment.

However, they ended up at sea for over 250 consecutive days, surpassing previous records for an aircraft carrier's continuous deployment without a port call. Sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln have expressed concerns about the ship's conditions, including cold showers, clogged toilets, and inadequate food supplies. One sailor even jumped overboard, while others have mentioned the mental health challenges faced by their fellow sailors.

The carrier is expected to dock in Thailand soon, following a brief stopover in Guam in mid-December. US Sen. Jack Reed, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, confirmed that the USS Abraham Lincoln would return to port within the next few weeks.