The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is scheduled to dock in Thailand next week for a port call following a prolonged deployment in the Middle East. Thai officials confirmed the news on Tuesday, stating the visit is intended for rest and recreation for the crew after the ship set a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea.
The Lincoln departed its home port of San Diego in November and was later redirected to the Middle East to support operations during the war with Iran. Democratic lawmakers reported that the vessel has not made a port call in more than 200 days, surpassing the typical naval deployment length of six to nine months.
The scheduled port visit follows reports from military-focused outlets, including Navy Times and Stars and Stripes, regarding suicide attempts and declining morale among the ship's crew. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that these reports "completely misrepresented" the conditions aboard the vessel.
The carrier houses approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines. During the deployment, the father of one crew member, Joshua Aviles, was taken into federal immigration custody in Florida. The Department of Homeland Security stated that Luis Manuel Aviles Roa entered the U.S. illegally and will remain in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention pending removal proceedings.
The record-setting duration of the Lincoln’s time at sea highlights the physical and mental strain on personnel during extended wartime operations. Military news outlets have documented specific instances of suicide attempts and declining morale, which, if persistent, can impact the operational readiness of a major naval asset. Defense Secretary Hegseth’s disagreement with these characterizations underscores a tension between official Pentagon assessments and reported accounts of life aboard the ship during the nine-month deployment.
The arrival in Thailand reinforces the long-standing military relationship between the U.S. and its oldest treaty partner in mainland Southeast Asia. The visit serves as a logistical and diplomatic step as the carrier moves toward its next destination following its exit from the Middle East. While the ship is expected to arrive next week, specific dates for its eventual return to its home port in San Diego have not been reported. Joshua Aviles’ father remains in ICE detention awaiting the outcome of removal proceedings.