The nuclear‑powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln docked at Laem Chabang port near Pattaya early Wednesday, bringing ashore a crew of roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines after more than 270 consecutive days at sea. The ship, which left California in November 2025 for the South China Sea, was rerouted to the Middle East and participated in the U.S. campaign against Iran before returning via Singapore.
Thai authorities deployed a heavy security presence, with about 600 officials and police chief Anek Srathongyoo overseeing the orderly disembarkation of personnel in groups of around 50. Around 40 buses have been arranged to shuttle the service members between the carrier and Pattaya, where they will remain on shore leave until the ship departs on Sunday. Local officials have warned businesses not to overcharge the sailors and have banned activities such as jetskiing and the use of Thailand’s medical cannabis.
The arrival follows international headlines about deteriorating living conditions and mental‑health challenges aboard the carrier, including reported suicide attempts, which have drawn criticism of President Donald Trump’s Iran strategy. The Thai mayor, Poramase Ngampiches, emphasized that the city’s preparations focus on safety, fair pricing and respecting local laws, noting a recent crackdown on sex workers that is unrelated to the U.S. visit.
Pattaya, once a quiet fishing village transformed into a rest‑and‑recreation hub for U.S. troops during the Vietnam War, has evolved into a major tourist destination with beaches, malls and cultural sites. While the city’s reputation for sex tourism persists, recent efforts aim to present a more family‑friendly image, and the influx of U.S. service members is expected to provide a short‑term boost to the local economy.
