USS Abraham Lincoln arrives in Pattaya

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) arrived at Laem Chabang port near Thailand — Pattaya, Thailand, on September 2, 2026, after a record deployment of over 270 days at sea. The carrier, with nearly 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard, was redirected from the South China Sea to the Middle East to support U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran. The port call is the first in nine months and is intended for rest and recuperation. Local authorities in Thailand — Pattaya, a city known for its nightlife and sex tourism, conducted raids and increased patrols ahead of the arrival, detaining 40-50 people for suspected prostitution. The visit is expected to provide a short-term economic boost to Thailand — Pattaya, with estimates of spending up to 100 million Thailand — Thai baht (about $3 million). However, concerns have been raised about the crew's mental health and living conditions aboard the ship, with reports of suicide attempts and declining morale. The carrier is scheduled to depart on Sunday.