RismadarVoice Reporters, September 2, 2026
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has arrived at Laem Chabang Port in eastern Thailand, providing about 5,000 U.S. sailors and Marines with a four-day break in the resort city of Pattaya as they begin their journey home following an extended deployment in the Middle East.
The nuclear-powered carrier docked in Chonburi province on Wednesday after spending 286 days at sea, marking its first full port visit since its deployment began in November.
The more than nine-month mission was largely spent supporting U.S. military operations during the conflict involving Israel and Iran.
The effects of the lengthy deployment were visible on the 1,092-foot warship, with sections of its paintwork worn away and rust showing on the metal beneath.
The Lincoln is making the stop as it heads back to its home port in San Diego, following concerns raised during its deployment over supply shortages and the impact of prolonged operations on the mental health and wellbeing of service members.
The U.S. Navy confirmed the arrival of the carrier strike group in Thailand, saying the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. destroyer docked in nearby Sriracha, while the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls arrived at Map Ta Phut in neighbouring Rayong province.
Rear Adm. Robert E. Loughran, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3, said the stop would allow personnel to recover after the demanding mission.
“Our arrival in Laem Chabang provides a well-deserved opportunity for our sailors and Marines to rest and recharge,” Loughran said, adding that the visit also demonstrated the longstanding partnership between the United States and Thailand.
About 5,000 sailors and Marines are expected to spend time in Pattaya, one of Thailand’s major coastal tourist destinations.
A U.S. military official said each service member would have three days of liberty and one day of duty aboard the ship during the four-day stop.
The arrival has been welcomed by businesses and residents in Pattaya, where tourism has suffered from travel disruptions and higher fuel costs associated with the conflict in the Middle East.
Local officials estimate that the visit could contribute about $3 million to the area’s economy.
The carrier’s arrival was met with heightened security, including increased police patrols and roadside checks. Some local businesses have also put up banners and other signs welcoming the American sailors and Marines.
Residents gathered to watch the vessels arrive after sunrise, with the Lincoln eventually manoeuvring into the port’s major cargo terminal.
Wichai Yuankham, a 35-year-old factory worker who came to see the ships, welcomed the visit and said it was an opportunity for residents to witness the arrival of a major American naval vessel.
“I am just excited to see the destroyer docking,” he said, adding that it was his first time seeing such a vessel and that its presence was something residents could proudly talk about.
