USS Abraham Lincoln docks in Thailand for crew leave after nine months at sea

Deployment and arrival at Laem Chabang

The US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is scheduled to dock at Laem Chabang port near Pattaya on Wednesday following more than nine months continuously at sea. The vessel left its home base in San Diego, California, on 21 November 2025 for an assignment in the South China Sea. After the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on 28 February, US defense officials redirected the strike group to the Middle East. An initial plan to return to the United States in May was cancelled, keeping approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines deployed for up to 285 days without shore leave. The carrier and its accompanying vessels reached Thai waters this week, with the port stay planned to conclude on Sunday.

Leave regulations and red-light restrictions

Municipal authorities in Pattaya and Chonburi provincial leaders met with US military representatives on Monday to coordinate safety rules and restrictions for personnel on shore. Chonburi Governor Narit Niramaiwong announced that 600 police officers and administrative officials will manage crowd control and patrol high-traffic zones, including Beach Road and Walking Street. Authorities placed the red-light districts of Soi 6, Soi 6/1, and Soi 7 strictly off-limits to visiting American troops. Local police detained nearly 50 sex workers during the weekend preceding the arrival, citing efforts to prevent public solicitation. Police chief Anek Srathongyoo warned that any visiting service members who violate Thai laws will face standard criminal prosecution.

Police chief Anek Srathongyoo addressed the challenges of regulating public order during the port call.

We are doing our best, but it is difficult.

Prohibited activities and economic impact

Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches announced that service members are strictly prohibited from consuming cannabis, which Thailand legalized for medical purposes in 2022, and from participating in water sports like jet skiing and parasailing. The city arranged 40 buses to transport crew members between the port and urban centres in staggered rotations, encouraging visits to shopping centres and cultural sites. Municipal leaders estimate the visit could generate up to 100 million Thai baht (approximately $3 million or 2.6 million euros) for the local economy during its low tourism season. Officials estimate that individual crew members could spend between $30 and $90 daily, though authorities issued formal warnings to local vendors against inflating prices for foreign troops.

Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches described the primary objective of the port visit on social media.

They come to relax because it's been almost 280 days since anyone came ashore.

Onboard conditions and historical context

The port visit in Thailand takes place after extensive scrutiny in the United States concerning physical and psychological conditions aboard the carrier during its prolonged mission. Reports described plumbing failures, food supply shortages, and severe mental health strain among crew members, including suicide attempts. These reports contributed to political criticism in Washington regarding President Donald Trump's military campaign in Iran. Pattaya, situated two hours from Bangkok, originally developed into a rest and recreation destination for American forces during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. Local business owners noted that the arrival offers commercial relief at a time when global tourism has slowed due to increased fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict.