USS Lincoln crew hits the streets of Thai beach city after lengthy Middle East deployment

USS Abraham Lincoln crew members arrived in Pattaya, Thailand on Thursday, September 3rd, 2026, after a lengthy deployment to the Middle East. Buses loaded with servicemen streamed into the resort city, according to a report from the Associated Press. The Lincoln had been supporting U.S. efforts against Iran, and its deployment set a record for the longest uninterrupted time at sea, totaling over 260 days.

Concerns had emerged about the crew's mental health and shortages of food supplies during the extended mission. The Navy insisted there were no issues, and President Trump had previously stated the deployment was "not nearly long enough."

The ship has been at sea for a total of 286 days, with 264 days of uninterrupted time at sea prior to Thursday's arrival in Chonburi province. Upon disembarking the buses, crew members expressed excitement about being in Thailand. One sailor commented that the experience was "alright," though they declined further comment. Vendors and travel agents at the Hard Rock Hotel, the designated pickup location, were eager to interact with the returning servicemen.

Many sailors, however, waved off the offers of souvenirs and services as they awaited transportation. Two other ships from the Lincoln's strike group were also present in Thailand, with the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. docked at Sriracha port and the USS Robert Smalls stationed in Map Ta Phut in neighboring Rayong province.