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US aircraft carrier arrives in Thailand after 286 days at sea
🇸🇬 Singapore /Conflict & Security

US aircraft carrier arrives in Thailand after 286 days at sea

From CNA · () English

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

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • The USS Abraham Lincoln arrived at Thailand’s Laem Chabang port on its first port call in nine months after a 286-day deployment.
  • About 5,000 sailors and Marines will travel to Pattaya for rest and recreation after the carrier’s duty in the Middle East.
  • Local officials said they prepared transport, safety measures and fair-pricing efforts, while citing restrictions on some activities.

After 286 days at sea, the nuclear-powered USS Abraham Lincoln finally reached Thailand on Wednesday, greeted by tugboats as it entered Laem Chabang port. Dozens of warplanes stood on the flight deck while the carrier made its first port call in nine months.

The ship carries about 5,000 sailors and Marines, who are heading to the resort city of Pattaya for rest and recreation. The stop follows the carrier’s deployment from California to the South China Sea and then the Middle East. The Lincoln left California in November 2025 and was rerouted before US-Israeli attacks on Iran began six months ago.

Our arrival in Laem Chabang provides a well-deserved opportunity for our Sailors and Marines to rest and recharge.

— Rear Admiral Robert LoughranThe commander of US Carrier Strike Group 3 described the port call as a rest stop for the crew.

The arrival comes after reports in the United States about deteriorating living conditions and poor mental health aboard the carrier, including attempted suicides. Those reports prompted criticism of President Donald Trump’s war against Iran.

Our crew to enjoy this beautiful and historic country

— Captain Dan KeelerThe carrier’s commanding officer described the purpose of the ship’s first port visit during its deployment.

Rear Admiral Robert Loughran, commander of US Carrier Strike Group 3, said, "Our arrival in Laem Chabang provides a well-deserved opportunity for our Sailors and Marines to rest and recharge." Captain Dan Keeler described the port visit as the first of the ship’s "historic deployment" and said the crew would be able to "enjoy this beautiful and historic country".

Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches said buses would carry sailors between the ship and the city until the carrier leaves on Sunday. He said officials would focus on safety and fair prices. Sailors have been barred from water sports such as jet skis and from taking advantage of Thailand’s lax cannabis laws, while the mayor encouraged visits to malls and religious sites.

Our preparations will focus on safety and ensuring fair pricing, so we don't take advantage of them.

— Poramase NgampichesPattaya’s mayor outlined local preparations for the sailors’ visit.

Pattaya is known for its beaches and nightlife, including a sex-tourism scene that has long drawn scrutiny. Poramase said a recent crackdown on sex workers was not connected to the US arrival. A bar displayed a sign welcoming US military personnel, while one bar owner warned that alcohol could cause problems.

We'll have to be careful because as we know, things can get out of hand with alcohol involved.

— NickoA French bar owner in Pattaya discussed the risks associated with the sailors’ visit.
About this summary

Originally published by CNA 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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