Play store
The US Navy aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln arrived at Thailand’s Laem Chabang port on Wednesday after spending 286 days at sea, including an extended deployment in the Middle East, amid reports of mental health concerns and deteriorating conditions aboard the vessel.
The Lincoln, carrying roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines, took part in US naval blockade and combat operations during the war with Iran. Democratic lawmakers said the deployment set a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea.
Accompanied by other US naval vessels, the nuclear-powered carrier will spend five days in Thailand for rest, recuperation and logistics, according to Thai officials.
The Lincoln was deployed in November last year. US Navy deployments typically last between six and nine months but can be extended during periods of conflict.
“Our arrival in Laem Chabang provides a well-deserved opportunity for our sailors and Marines to rest and recharge,” said Rear Admiral Robert E. Loughran, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3, in a statement.
“What this strike group has accomplished is truly historic. I could not be prouder of the exceptional professionalism and expertise demonstrated by every member of this team during our operations,” he said.
Thailand became a US treaty ally in 1954 and was designated a major non-NATO ally in 2003. The two countries maintain close military ties and conduct annual joint exercises.
Bangkok has said the visit is not linked to the conflict in the Middle East. The port call is intended for rest, recuperation and logistical support, in line with the two countries’ treaty commitments.
The Lincoln, its flight deck packed with helicopters and fighter jets, including F-35s, arrived at Laem Chabang early Wednesday.
The guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. docked at Sri Racha, about 10 km (6.2 miles) away. Both vessels showed signs of wear, including rust and mottled paint along their waterlines.
The crew remained aboard as of early afternoon. The arrival of thousands of US military personnel has raised hopes of an economic boost for nearby Pattaya, a major resort city about 150 km southeast of Bangkok.
Around 40 buses will transport military personnel between Pattaya and Laem Chabang, Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches said.
“There are certain places and activities that the personnel are prohibited from participating in, such as all kinds of water sports, jet skiing, bungee jumping, wrestling and boxing,” he told Reuters.
Although Thailand’s sex industry is illegal, it operates openly in major tourism hubs including Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya, despite periodic crackdowns.
On the eve of the Lincoln’s arrival, street vendors near Pattaya’s famous Walking Street nightlife district expressed hopes that the port visit would boost business.
“It’s been so quiet these days,” said clothes seller Kadsalin Ketpa, 43, who stocked up on basketball jerseys and elephant-patterned trousers ahead of the visit.
“I hope their arrival will drive up my sales. I’ve prepared some products for them, but I don’t know if they will like them,” she said.
Food vendor Saroch, 45, said visits by US military personnel were good for local businesses and were always something to look forward to.
“They’re here for drinks, having fun and letting loose,” Saroch said.
