USS Abraham Lincoln Arrives in Thailand After Record 286 Days at Sea

The nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrived at the port of Laem Chabang in Thailand on Wednesday after spending 286 consecutive days at sea. Approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines have been granted five days of shore leave in the nearby resort city of Pattaya. The vessel originally departed California in November 2025 for a mission in the South China Sea but was diverted to the Middle East prior to the start of a regional war involving the United States and Iran. This deployment is described by some Democratic members of Congress as a record for the longest continuous deployment in modern times.

The arrival follows reports of deteriorating conditions on board. Sources including Navy Times and Stars and Stripes reported issues with food shortages, declining morale, and mental health crises, including at least two suicide attempts. Democratic lawmakers have called for an investigation into these conditions. In response, Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao acknowledged a small number of mental health cases but stated no deaths occurred. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the reports as misinterpretations of the conditions on board, while President Donald Trump minimized the accounts. Captain Dan Keeler described the stop as a deserved rest for the crew.

Local authorities in Pattaya expect the visit to provide a significant economic boost, with the mayor estimating an impact of around 100 million bahts. However, the mayor also warned sailors against consuming marijuana and entering areas known for nightlife. While the city has historically been a hub for sex tourism since the Vietnam War, local officials and some visitors suggest the city is rebranding as a family friendly destination. The USS Abraham Lincoln is expected to remain in Thailand until Sunday before returning to its home base in San Diego.