The USS Abraham Lincoln, a US aircraft carrier, has arrived at Laem Chabang port near Pattaya, Thailand, after a challenging deployment of over 270 days at sea. This arrival comes amid reports of deteriorating living conditions and poor mental health among the crew, including incidents of attempted suicides, which have drawn international criticism regarding the lengthy deployment as part of the US's military actions in the Middle East.
Arrival and Security Measures
On Wednesday morning, the 5,000-strong crew disembarked from the nuclear-powered ship, which had left California in November 2025 for duty in the South China Sea before being rerouted to the Middle East. A heavy security presence was established at the port to ensure the safety of the sailors and Marines as they arrived.
According to Police Colonel Anek Srathongyoo, the sailors will disembark in groups of approximately 50. The city of Pattaya, known for its history as a rest-and-recreation destination for US troops since the Vietnam War, has ramped up security in anticipation of the sailors' arrival.
