US aircraft carrier approaches Thai port after months at sea

A US aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, made its first port call in nine months off the coast of Thailand on Wednesday. The 5,000-strong crew aboard the nuclear-powered vessel, which had been deployed in the Middle East, was headed to the Thai resort town of Pattaya for rest and recreation. Guided by tugs, the carrier approached the port of Laem Chabang, with dozens of warplanes lined up on its flight deck.

An official in Pattaya confirmed the ship was due to dock before lunchtime. Reports of deteriorating living conditions and mental health issues among the crew had sparked controversy in the United States, leading to calls for an investigation. However, the mayor of Pattaya denied any link between the US arrivals and efforts to crack down on sex work in the area.