US carrier Abraham Lincoln departs Thailand after respite visit

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln departed Thailand on Sunday after a five-day port visit, concluding a respite from an extended deployment that encompassed operations in the Middle East, according to the US Navy. Captain Dan Keeler, commanding officer of the Abraham Lincoln, expressed gratitude to the Thai people for their "incredible hospitality" in a statement.

Typically, naval deployments span six to nine months, but during times of conflict, they can be prolonged. The Lincoln, carrying around 5,000 personnel, played a role in the US naval blockade and combat operations during the Iran War, setting a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea, as reported by Democratic lawmakers. Accompanied by other US naval vessels, the Lincoln arrived in Thailand early on Wednesday, marking the only treaty partnership between the US and mainland Southeast Asia.

Upon docking in the resort city of Pattaya, located approximately 150 km (93 miles) southeast of Bangkok, a busload of sailors and Marines dressed in civilian attire began to disembark, spreading smiles and waving as they arrived at a hotel.