The USS Abraham Lincoln arrives in Thailand following its Middle East deployment

PATTAYA, Thailand (AP) — The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier docked in eastern Thailand on Wednesday following a challenging deployment in the Middle East. Journalists from the Associated Press observed the carrier as it approached Laem Chabang port in Chonburi province, shortly after the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. destroyer joined it.

The Lincoln, which carries around 5,000 service members, had been assigned to support the U.S. campaign against Iran. Its deployment broke the record for the longest continuous time at sea by any U.S. naval vessel, exceeding 250 days. There have been growing concerns about the mental health of the crew and shortages of essential supplies like food and hygiene products.

The U.S. Navy's usually Asia-based USS George Washington relieved the Lincoln in the Middle East in August. Thai authorities have announced that the Lincoln will return to the United States after completing its port visit in Thailand.