USS Abraham Lincoln to Dock in Thailand After Record 200 Days at Sea

The U.S. aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln will dock in Thailand next week, according to a Thai official. The vessel, which carries approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines, is scheduled for a brief stop in eastern Thailand for rest, recreation, and logistical support. The Thai Navy confirmed that a carrier strike group will make the visit, though it did not name the three specific vessels or provide a date due to security concerns. No military exercises will take place during the stop.

The Lincoln left its home port of San Diego in November and was redirected to the Middle East to support U.S. military operations in the conflict between the U.S. and Israel against Iran. According to Democratic lawmakers, the ship has not made a port call in more than 200 days, which sets a modern day record for consecutive days at sea. While naval deployments typically last six to nine months, these periods can be extended during times of conflict.

Reports from military publications Navy Times and Stars and Stripes recently highlighted declining morale and suicide attempts aboard the ship. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that these reports completely misrepresented the conditions on board. The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Thailand has been a treaty ally of the United States since 1954 and is the only U.S. treaty partner in mainland Southeast Asia. It has also been a major non NATO ally since 2003.