USS Abraham Lincoln shows extensive rust after 286-day deployment

The nuclear-powered carrier USS Abraham Lincoln docked at Laem Chabang in Thailand after a 286-day deployment that included combat and blockade duties in the Middle East. Observers noted extensive rust covering the hull from bow to stern.

Former Navy captain Carl Schuster, who served on Nimitz-class carriers, said rust along the waterline is common after a ship spends 60 days or more continuously at sea. He explained that removing the corrosion would involve sandblasting, applying two coats of rust-preventative primer and two coats of naval gray paint, a process that could take about 30 days.

"Based on what I am seeing, you are looking at about 30 days of preservation work to remove all the rust," Schuster told CNN.

During the seven-day port call, crews are expected to address high-priority areas first, focusing on the bow and forward hull where the metal endures the greatest stress from moving through salt water. Some upper-level rust can be treated while underway, but waterline repairs require the ship to be stationary.

"Rust is like a contagious disease. It spreads. So, it is better to deal with it early to contain it or deal with a much larger problem later," Schuster said.

The carrier’s condition has also been linked to morale issues and supply shortages among the crew, including an incident of a sailor going overboard. President Donald Trump dismissed concerns about the ship’s appearance, stating the deployment was not long enough, but has not commented since the vessel’s arrival.

Schuster noted that fighting rust is one of the least popular tasks for sailors, comparable to dealing with plumbing problems.