USS Lincoln crew hits the streets of Thailand's Pattaya after nine-month deployment

Two US sailors from the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln were sent back to the ship after a drunken brawl in Pattaya, Thailand, according to Thai police. The incident, which occurred near the city's popular nightlife district of Walking Street, involved the sailors engaging in a small scuffle and causing loud noise in the early hours of Thursday.

City police chief Colonel Anek Srathongyoo stated that the sailors were intoxicated and that local residents called the police to prevent the situation from worsening. The pair were not charged as they did not violate any Thai laws, the police chief added. The US Navy subsequently returned the sailors to the Lincoln. The ship's visit to Pattaya has drawn global media attention due to reports of deteriorating living conditions on board following over 280 days at sea.

Pattaya, a resort known for its nightlife, including sex tourism, has also seen a crackdown on sex workers ahead of the Lincoln's arrival, though authorities denied this was connected to the sailors' presence. No other notable incidents have been reported since the Lincoln docked, and one local masseuse said the situation was calmer than previous military port calls.

The sailors were described as young, well-behaved, and rule-abiding by Nattakamol Chartmontri, a masseuse who has worked in Pattaya for years. Despite hopes from Pattaya businesses for a financial boost from the visit, which occurs during the low season, the impact has been minimal so far. Some US Democratic lawmakers have called for an investigation into the conditions on the Lincoln due to reports of food shortages, broken plumbing, and mental health crises.

US President Donald Trump dismissed these concerns, which have fueled criticism of his handling of the Iran war, although the Lincoln was replaced in the Middle East by the USS George Washington.