Navy aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln steamed into Thailand’s Laem Chabang on Wednesday (September 2, 2026) after 286 days at sea, including a long deployment in West Asia, amid reports of mental health concerns and deteriorating conditions on board. U.S.
“Our arrival in Laem Chabang provides a well-deserved opportunity for our Sailors and Marines to rest and recharge. The Lincoln, with roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines, was deployed in November last year and was involved in the U.S. naval blockade and combat operations in the war with Iran. It also underscores the strong and enduring partnership and alliance between the United States and Thailand,” the Commander of Carrier Strike Group 3, Rear Admiral Robert E.
It set a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea, according to Democratic lawmakers. Accompanied by other U.S. naval vessels, the aircraft carrier will stop in Thailand — the United States’ only treaty partner in mainland Southeast Asia — for five days of rest and recuperation, according to Thai officials. Loughran, said in a statement.
A fleet of around 40 buses will ferry the military personnel between Pattaya and the port at Laem Chabang where the vessels will dock, Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches said. Pattaya sits on the Gulf of Thailand, about 150 km (93 miles) southeast of Bangkok. Police will deploy additional patrols around Pattaya’s main beachfront and nightlife district, following raids over the weekend that led to 40 to 50 people being detained for suspected prostitution, officials said. Food seller Saroch (45), said port visits by the U.S. military were good for business and always something to look forward to.
“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.
“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,” he told Reuters .
