USS Abraham Lincoln docks in Thailand after record 286-day deployment

The USS Lincoln arrived in eastern Thailand for a five-day rest and recuperation period after a record 286 days at sea, docking at Laem Chabang as about 5,000 sailors and Marines begin shore leave in Pattaya. Local authorities and businesses expect an economic boost from the Liberty Port, with vendors, taxi drivers, and shop owners planning extra sales during the visit. Reports of deteriorating conditions aboard and morale concerns circulated, though Navy officials defended the management of the vessel and its crew. Separately, seven U.S. diplomatic missions in the Middle East issued security alerts urging heightened vigilance for Americans amid renewed U.S.–Iran tensions and potential flight disruptions. Pattaya officials limited access to certain nightlife areas after sunset to manage the crew’s leave, balancing hospitality with security and the city’s red-light districts. The visit reinforces the deep U.S.–Thailand military alliance and Pattaya’s long-standing role as a traditional rest-and-recovery site for American service members.