USS Abraham Lincoln arrives in Pattaya after 250 days at sea
The nuclear-powered carrier USS Abraham Lincoln docked in Pattaya, Thailand, giving its crew a shore break after a record 250-day deployment, while local authorities imposed restrictions on certain entertainment venues.
After a 250-day deployment without a port call, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in Pattaya, Thailand, allowing its roughly 5,000 crew members a brief shore leave. The carrier had left San Diego in November for a six-month Pacific assignment but was redirected to the Gulf following U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran in February.
Thai officials said the visit would be closely managed, barring sailors from areas known for adult entertainment such as Soi 6 and from cannabis shops, paragliding and jet-ski activities. Police were deployed to monitor the city’s entertainment districts and to prevent overcharging of U.S. personnel. The U.S. Navy arranged shuttle buses from the port and designated two hotels for crew members who wish to stay overnight.
Local businesses welcomed the influx, hoping the spending would boost the economy after a slowdown linked to regional conflicts. A gem seller near Walking Street noted that a sign offering discounts to U.S. sailors had been posted. Mayor Poramase recalled that visits by U.S. troops in the 1960s and 1970s helped transform Pattaya into a tourist destination.
Congressional concerns about food shortages, broken facilities and crew morale were acknowledged by the Navy, which said conditions were being addressed but declined to comment on operational details of the docking.