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USS Abraham Lincoln crew arrives in Thailand after 286 days at sea
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates /Conflict & Security

USS Abraham Lincoln crew arrives in Thailand after 286 days at sea

From Khaleej Times · () English

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

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • About 5,000 sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln arrived near Pattaya for a five-day rest and recreation stop after 286 days at sea.
  • Thai authorities increased security and imposed restrictions on activities including water sports and cannabis use during the visit.
  • The carrier arrived at Laem Chabang with warplanes on its flight deck after leaving California for duty in the South China Sea and being rerouted to the Middle East.

After 286 days at sea, the 5,000-strong crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln finally reached Thailand for five days of rest and recreation. The nuclear-powered carrier arrived early Wednesday at Laem Chabang, with dozens of warplanes lined up on its flight deck.

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

— Anthony “AJ” JonesA New Zealand musician who performs at a Pattaya beach bar described the expected impact of the sailors’ visit.

The sailors’ first port call in months drew a warm welcome in Pattaya, a city known for its beaches and nightlife. A banner outside a beach bar welcomed US military personnel, while musician Anthony “AJ” Jones said the visit would bring more customers and planned to perform American classics for the troops.

“We’re all very excited, it should get quite lively,” Jones said. Thai police and security forces gathered along a beach walkway near the Hard Rock Hotel, where sailors were staying. Authorities increased security because they were concerned about possible trouble.

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

— Poramase NgampichesThe Pattaya mayor acknowledged that sex work still occurs in the city.

Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches said sailors could not take part in water sports such as jet-skiing or use Thailand’s relaxed cannabis laws. He also denied reports that sex workers had been arrested ahead of the visit, while acknowledging the city’s reputation: “We have to be honest, that kind of thing still happens in Pattaya.”

Food, sleep, water.

— US service membersSailors gave journalists a brief description of their priorities after arriving in Thailand.

Some sailors arrived in civilian clothes and received traditional garlands at a welcome ceremony. Asked about their priorities, several replied: “Food, sleep, water.” Captain Dan Keeler called the break well deserved. The visit also brought family reunions, including New Jersey resident Shakeira Fairfax’s meeting with her daughter Jada, who had spent nine months aboard the carrier and celebrated her 25th birthday there. The Lincoln left California in November for duty in the South China Sea before being rerouted to the Middle East.

We’re very, very happy to be here.

— Captain Dan KeelerThe carrier’s commanding officer welcomed the crew’s five-day break.
About this summary

Originally published by Khaleej Times 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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