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After 286 days at sea and reported problems, US sailors reach Thailand
🇱🇹 Lithuania /Conflict & Security

After 286 days at sea and reported problems, US sailors reach Thailand

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • The USS Abraham Lincoln arrived at Laem Chabang port in Thailand after spending 286 days at sea on a military mission.
  • Reports alleged shortages of drinking water, blocked toilets and psychological strain among crew members, while US forces denied the most serious accusations.
  • The crew received a chance to rest but faced restrictions on some activities, including water sports, cannabis use and late-night visits to Pattaya’s Walking Street.

The USS Abraham Lincoln reached Thailand after 286 days at sea, ending an unusually long stretch without regular port calls. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier docked at Laem Chabang, about 20 kilometers from the tourist city of Pattaya.

The ship left San Diego in November 2025 for what was initially planned as a Pacific mission. After war broke out with Iran, it was redirected to the Middle East. US aircraft carriers often spend several months at sea, but such a long deployment without regular stops is unusual.

Newspaper reports said the ship faced shortages of drinking water and blocked toilets. Sailors were also described as suffering psychological strain because of various hardships. Relatives claimed that some distressed crew members had even tried to jump overboard, allegations the US military denied.

A well-earned opportunity to rest and recharge.

— Robert E. LoughranThe rear admiral described the Thailand port visit as a break for the carrier’s crew.

Rear Adm. Robert E. Loughran, commander of the 3rd Carrier Strike Group, called the stop “a well-earned opportunity to rest and recharge.” He added, “I am immensely proud of the exceptional professionalism and competence that every member of this team has demonstrated in carrying out our operations.”

The crew could visit Pattaya’s Walking Street, the city’s best-known nightlife district, but had to leave by 2 a.m., according to the Bangkok Post. They were barred from activities including jet-skiing and parasailing, and were not allowed to use cannabis.

I am immensely proud of the exceptional professionalism and competence that every member of this team has demonstrated in carrying out our operations.

— Robert E. LoughranHe praised the crew after the long military deployment.
About this summary

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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