The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln docked at Laem Chabang port near Pattaya, Thailand, on September 2, 2026, for a five-day port visit after spending a record 286 days at sea without a port call [1, 2, 3]. The carrier’s approximately 5,000 crew members were given rest and recreation in Pattaya, a city known for its beaches and nightlife [1, 2, 4]. Captain Dan Keeler, the ship’s commanding officer, said, "It is a well-deserved break for all of the crew, and we really look forward to our time here to get a little rest and relaxation" [2].
The USS Abraham Lincoln departed San Diego, California, in November 2025, originally for a six-month deployment in the Pacific and South China Sea. It was redirected to the Middle East in February 2026 following US and Israeli military operations against Iran, extending the deployment [1, 5, 6]. The 286-day stretch without a port call is a record for the vessel [2, 5, 7].
Thailand is a treaty ally of the United States, and visits by US Navy vessels to Thai ports are common. However, this visit brought the largest number of US military personnel directly from an active war zone to Pattaya since 1975 [1, 6]. About 600 security personnel were deployed in Pattaya to prepare for the arrival, including a crackdown on sex workers. Local officials denied the crackdown was linked to the sailors’ visit [2, 6]. Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches said, "They come to relax because it’s been almost 280 days since anyone came ashore. Our preparations will focus on safety and ensuring fair pricing, so we don’t take advantage of them" [8].
The US Navy imposed restrictions on sailors during the stop, banning water sports such as jet-skiing and forbidding use of Thailand’s relaxed cannabis laws [2, 5, 6]. There were no major incidents, though a minor drunken altercation among some sailors occurred on September 4. Two sailors involved were sent back to the ship, with Pattaya Police Chief Anek Srathongyoo reporting, "Everything went fine. There were no arrests or arguments except on the first day when Americans had an argument among themselves" [3, 9, 7].
Crew members reportedly faced deteriorating conditions on board during the deployment, including food shortages, broken plumbing, and mental stress, sparking political controversy in the US [1, 3, 10]. The roughly 5,000 sailors were estimated to have spent up to 100 million Thai baht (about 3.8 million Singapore dollars or 12 million Malaysian ringgit) in Pattaya, benefiting local businesses [3, 9, 6]. Around 40 buses shuttled sailors between the port and rest areas during the visit [6].
The USS Abraham Lincoln departed Laem Chabang on September 6 to continue its journey back to the United States via the Pacific Ocean [3, 9, 6].
