Crew members from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in the Thai resort city of Pattaya on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. The port call follows a deployment to the Middle East where the vessel supported U.S. operations related to Iran.
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed for a total of 286 days, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok. Before arriving in Thailand’s Chonburi province on Wednesday, Sept. 2, the carrier had spent 264 days at sea without a port visit.
During the deployment, concerns were raised regarding the mental health of the crew and reported shortages of key food supplies on the ship. The Navy downplayed these reports, while President Donald Trump stated the deployment was "not nearly long enough." Capt. Dan Keeler, the ship's commanding officer, stated that the vessel will depart Thailand this weekend to continue its return journey to the United States.
The deployment of the carrier strike group—which also includes the destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. and the cruiser USS Robert Smalls currently docked at other Thai ports—represents a significant application of federal resources. Crew members will notice a shift from shipboard food rations to local commerce during their leave.
Observers at Laem Chabang port noted the ship appeared to be covered in rust after 286 days. What happens next is the conclusion of the port visit this weekend, followed by the strike group's transit back to the U.S. Capt. Keeler noted the ship may make further supply stops, though a final arrival date in the U.S. has not been disclosed.