DistantNews
Support us
Thailand welcomes 5,000 US sailors after months at sea
🇮🇪 Ireland /Conflict & Security

Thailand welcomes 5,000 US sailors after months at sea

From RTÉ News · () English

Summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Ongoing story
  • About 5,000 U.S. sailors and Marines arrived in Thailand for five days of rest and recreation after a 286-day deployment without a port call.
  • The USS Abraham Lincoln’s visit to Pattaya comes amid U.S. concerns over reported food shortages, broken plumbing and mental health problems aboard the carrier.
  • Thai authorities increased security and restricted access to some activities and areas, while local businesses expect the visit to boost trade.

About 5,000 U.S. sailors and Marines arrived in Thailand after months at sea, heading to Pattaya for five days of rest and recreation. The USS Abraham Lincoln made its first port call in 286 days after a Middle East deployment that prompted concern in the United States about conditions aboard the ship.

We’re all very excited, it should get quite lively.

— Anthony “AJ” JonesA musician in Pattaya described the expected atmosphere and business boost from the sailors’ arrival.

The crew’s arrival drew attention in Pattaya, a resort city known for beaches, nightlife and sex tourism. On one street associated with the industry, women appeared in revealing sailor-themed outfits. The mayor highlighted other attractions, including sports, wellness facilities, beaches and shopping malls.

We have to be honest, that kind of thing still happens in Pattaya.

— Poramase NgampichesThe Pattaya mayor acknowledged the city’s continuing association with the sex industry.

Thai authorities increased security and barred the sailors from jet-skiing and other water sports. They were also not allowed to use Thailand’s cannabis businesses. The mayor acknowledged that Pattaya still has a reputation linked to bar workers, while saying the city wanted to show visitors a broader side.

Food, sleep, water.

— U.S. service membersCrew members told journalists what they most wanted after months at sea.

The carrier left California in November for duty in the South China Sea, but was redirected to the Middle East before U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran began in February. Reports of food shortages, broken plumbing and mental health crises aboard the ship led Democratic lawmakers to call for an investigation. Captain Dan Keeler called the visit a well-deserved break. For some crew members, their priorities were simpler: “Food, sleep, water.”

It is a well-deserved break for all of the crew, and we really look forward to our time here to get a little rest and relaxation.

— Captain Dan KeelerThe carrier’s commanding officer described the purpose of the Thailand port visit.
About this summary

Originally published by RTÉ News. Summarized and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

More Stories

From Our Blog