Crew members of the USS Abraham Lincoln hit Thailand’s seaside resort city of Pattaya this week as part of a port call following a record 286 days at sea in its deployment against Iran.
USS Abraham Lincoln’s lengthy deployment at sea had drawn concerns last month about deteriorating mental health among the crew as well as the food shortages faced by those onboard. However, the Navy had dismissed these concerns, with US President Donald Trump saying the deployment was “not nearly long enough. Many local businesses in Pattaya have put up signs welcoming the sailors, offering incentives to them. “I ate to my heart’s content. Me and Thai food might be best friends after this,” the sailor added. Another serviceman indicated at the toll the deployment had taken, saying, “Some people adapt to it, but not everyone.
For example, Tito Fashion tailors advertised their products which they said were “specially for US Navy ready in 24 hours”, The Guardian reported. One of the crew members, who was on his first deployment, said the living situation was like “being stuck in your bedroom with all your family. He said the food, for him, was the toughest to get used to.
