USS Abraham Lincoln docks in Thailand after more than 9 months at sea

The USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier carrying approximately 5,000 service members, arrived at the Laem Chabang port in eastern Thailand on Wednesday after an extensive deployment in the Middle East that lasted over 250 days. Associated Press journalists observed the ship as it entered the port, accompanied by the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. destroyer. The Lincoln's deployment marked the longest continuous time at sea for the vessel, raising concerns over the mental health of its crew and supply shortages.

Crew members were not available for interview, but the ship appeared to require a fresh paint job, with noticeable rust patches evident on the hull, particularly near the flight deck where fighter aircraft and helicopters were stationed. Captain Dan Keeler, the Lincoln's commander, acknowledged the ship's condition was typical of prolonged deployments and declined further comment when asked about President Trump's remark that the deployment was "not nearly long enough."

The visit to Thailand signified the Lincoln's first full port stop after 286 days, or more than nine months, at sea, starting on January 1, 2025. The ship's visit was seen as a demonstration of the U.S.'s commitment to its allies and partners in Thailand. The Lincoln's strike group, including the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr., docked at Laem Chabang, while the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls anchored in Map Ta Phut, a neighboring province.

The commander's statement highlighted the Lincoln's stop as a testament to their enduring commitment to Thailand, expressing excitement about the historic deployment. A father of a sailor on board expressed concerns about the extended deployment, suggesting the ships were not modern enough to withstand such long periods at sea. Another sailor's father was briefly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement before being released.

Many service members are anticipated to visit Pattaya, a popular beach destination, following the Lincoln's return. Thai officials stated the visit's purpose would be for rest and recovery before the carrier's return to its U.S. base. Pattaya officials welcomed the visit, anticipating economic benefits for the local area. Authorities increased security measures to ensure a smooth arrival.