US aircraft carrier arrives in Thailand after lengthy Middle East deployment

The USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier with around 5,000 personnel, docked in Thailand on Wednesday following a 286-day deployment at sea. This lengthy mission included participation in the US naval blockade and combat operations against Iran, reportedly setting a modern record for consecutive days at sea. Typically, naval deployments last between six to nine months, but can be extended during conflicts.

The carrier's recent arrival in Thailand, the US's only treaty partner in mainland South-East Asia, was for a five-day rest and recuperation period.

Reports emerged of deteriorating conditions aboard the Lincoln, with crew members facing shortages of basic hygiene items, smaller meal portions, disrupted mail systems, and reports of mould in showers, broken toilets, and a lack of hot water. There were even incidents of crew members attempting to jump overboard. US Central Command stated that an individual who fell overboard in early August was swiftly rescued. However, families of crewmen were informed that several others had made similar attempts.

Upon arrival, the Lincoln joined other US ships in Laem Chabang and docked at the nearby Sri Racha with its flight deck filled with helicopters and warplanes, including the latest F-35 fighter jets. A third vessel, the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls, arrived in Map Tha Phut. By the afternoon, numerous sailors and marines, dressed in civilian clothes and smiling, began arriving at a hotel in Pattaya, a resort city located about 150km southeast of Bangkok.

This port visit between Thailand and the US, which has lasted since the Vietnam War, is well-established. Both nations maintain strong military ties, with annual joint exercises held between their militaries.