USS Abraham Lincoln Arrives in Thailand After Extended Middle East Deployment

LAEM CHABANG: The U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has docked at Laem Chabang port in eastern Thailand following an extended deployment in the Middle East, where it supported U.S. military operations against Iran.

The carrier, carrying approximately 5,000 service members, arrived in Chonburi province on Wednesday, accompanied by other vessels from its carrier strike group. The USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. destroyer docked at nearby Sriracha, while the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls was reported at Map Ta Phut in neighboring Rayong province.

The visit marks the Lincoln’s first full port stop after a 286-day deployment that began in 2025. During the deployment, the carrier spent more than 250 consecutive days at sea, setting a record for uninterrupted time at sea.

The prolonged deployment had raised concerns over crew welfare, including reports of declining morale, mental-health difficulties and shortages of some supplies. The carrier also showed visible signs of wear after its lengthy mission, including areas of apparent rust on its hull and flight deck.

Captain Dan Keeler, the Lincoln’s commanding officer, said the ship’s appearance was normal following a long deployment and declined to provide further comment. He also declined to comment in detail on U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks that the carrier’s deployment was “not nearly long enough.”

The U.S. Embassy described the port call as a demonstration of Washington’s commitment to its allies and partners in Thailand. The usually Asia-based USS George Washington replaced the Lincoln in the Middle East in August.

Many of the service members are expected to spend their leave in Pattaya, a popular Thai resort city near Laem Chabang. Thai authorities have said the visit is intended to provide rest and recovery for the crew, while local officials are preparing enhanced security measures and anticipating an economic boost from the influx of U.S. personnel.

The Lincoln is expected to return to its U.S. base after the Thailand port visit.