USS Abraham Lincoln Arrives in Thailand After Nine Months at Sea

The United States Navy's USS Abraham Lincoln has arrived in eastern Thailand after spending about nine and a half months at sea, giving thousands of sailors and Marines their first opportunity for a port visit following an extended and demanding deployment in the Middle East.

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, which carries around 5,000 personnel, entered Laem Chabang port in Chonburi province early on Wednesday. The arrival followed the passage of the USS Frank E Petersen Jr and other US naval vessels operating in the area.

Later in the day, groups of sailors and Marines in civilian clothing were transported by bus to a resort hotel in Pattaya, about 150km southeast of Bangkok.

Thai officials said the visit was intended to provide the Lincoln's crew with several days of rest and recovery before the carrier eventually returns to its US home base.

The Lincoln has played a central role in US military operations and the naval blockade associated with the prolonged US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

The carrier's extended deployment has drawn scrutiny amid reports of supply difficulties, concerns over sailors' mental health and declining morale. Families of crew members have also raised concerns about the length of time the ship has remained at sea.

The standard deployment for a US Navy aircraft carrier generally lasts between six and nine months, although deployments can be extended during periods of heightened military activity.

The Lincoln's exterior showed visible signs of its lengthy time at sea, with extensive rust apparent along parts of the hull, particularly around the waterline and near the flight deck.

Asked about the ship's weathered appearance, commanding officer Captain Dan Keeler said the condition was normal for a vessel returning from such a lengthy deployment.

US President Donald Trump has previously dismissed concerns that the Lincoln had been deployed for too long. Asked by reporters weeks ago whether the carrier had spent excessive time at sea, Trump responded that it had not been deployed for nearly long enough.

When asked about the president's comments, Keeler offered a brief response: "So, the president speaks for himself."

The crew is expected to spend several days in Thailand before resuming its journey.

Rear Admiral Robert E Loughran, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3, described the stop at Laem Chabang as a much-needed opportunity for the sailors and Marines to recover.

He praised the group's performance during what he called a historic deployment, saying he was proud of the professionalism and expertise demonstrated by those involved in the operations.

The prolonged deployment comes despite Trump's previous pledge during his second term to avoid lengthy and expensive military conflicts.

When the US and Israel launched their joint military campaign against Iran, Trump and his advisers had suggested the conflict would be relatively brief, lasting only weeks.

Instead, the war has now continued into its seventh month, leaving US forces and personnel facing a significantly longer and more demanding military commitment than initially anticipated.