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🇧🇩 Bangladesh /Conflict & Security

After 286 days in the Middle East, 5,000 US military personnel arrive in Thailand for rest

From Daily Star · () English

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

At a glance

Newswire Named sources Ongoing story
  • The USS Abraham Lincoln and about 5,000 sailors and Marines arrived at Thailand’s Laem Chabang port after 286 days at sea.
  • The carrier had taken part in a US naval blockade and combat operations in the war with Iran, and Democratic lawmakers said its deployment set a modern record for consecutive days at sea.
  • The force will spend five days resting in Thailand, while officials expect the visit to bring economic activity to nearby Pattaya and have imposed security and activity restrictions.

The USS Abraham Lincoln has arrived in Thailand after spending 286 days at sea, including a long deployment in the Middle East. About 5,000 sailors and Marines are aboard the carrier and its accompanying vessels.

The Lincoln deployed in November last year and took part in a US naval blockade and combat operations in the war with Iran. Democratic lawmakers said the deployment set a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea. Naval deployments typically last six to nine months, although conflict can extend them.

Our arrival in Laem Chabang provides a well-deserved opportunity for our Sailors and Marines to rest and recharge. It also underscores the strong and enduring partnership and alliance between the United States and Thailand.

— Rear Admiral Robert E. LoughranThe commander of Carrier Strike Group 3 described the purpose of the Thailand stop and the bilateral military relationship.

The carrier strike group will spend five days at Laem Chabang for rest and recuperation. Thailand, the United States’ only treaty partner in mainland Southeast Asia, has framed the visit as a logistical stop tied to its treaty commitments, not as a move connected to the Middle East conflict.

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.

— Rear Admiral Robert E. LoughranLoughran praised the carrier strike group after its extended deployment.

Rear Admiral Robert E. Loughran, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3, called the arrival a chance for the sailors and Marines to “rest and recharge.” He described the group’s achievements as “truly historic” and said he was proud of the team’s professionalism and expertise.

The visit has also brought expectations of an economic boost for Pattaya, the nearby resort city. Around 40 buses will transport personnel between Pattaya and the port, according to Mayor Poramase Ngampiches. Officials have banned personnel from activities including water sports, jet skiing, bungee jumping, wrestling and boxing. Police will increase patrols around the beachfront and nightlife district after weekend raids detained 40 to 50 people suspected of prostitution.

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.

— Poramase NgampichesThe Pattaya mayor outlined restrictions for visiting US military personnel.
About this summary

Originally published by Daily Star in English. 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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