Archive · 26 Aug 2026
USS Abraham Lincoln Set for Thailand Stop After 200 Days
The USS Abraham Lincoln is a very large U.S. Navy ship carrying about 5,000 sailors and Marines.
It has been away from a port for more than 200 days.
The ship left San Diego in November and was sent to the Middle East during a conflict involving Iran.
It left the Middle East on Saturday.
A Thai official said it should visit Thailand next week.
The stop is meant to let the crew rest and receive supplies.
Thailand’s Navy said no military exercises are planned.
Some military news reports described serious problems and low morale, but Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disputed those reports.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is expected to make a port call in Thailand next week after more than 200 days at sea.
About 5,000 sailors and Marines are aboard the carrier, which left San Diego in November.
Thailand’s Navy described the brief visit as routine rest, recuperation and logistical support, with no exercises scheduled.
The ship was redirected to the Middle East and left the region on Saturday after supporting U.S. military operations involving Iran.
Navy Times and Stars and Stripes reported suicide attempts and declining morale, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the reports misrepresented conditions.
- Who
- The USS Abraham Lincoln, its roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines, the Thai Navy and U.S. officials.
- What
- A U.S. Navy carrier is expected to make a brief port call in Thailand for rest, recuperation and logistical support.
- When
- The visit is expected next week; the reports are dated August 25. Thailand’s Navy did not provide a specific date.
- Where
- Eastern Thailand, following the ship’s prolonged deployment in the Middle East.
- Why
- The visit is intended to give personnel rest and recuperation after a long deployment and provide logistical support.
Reports of Crew and Ship Problems
Defense Department Rebuttal
Conditions aboard the carrier
Reports of Crew and Ship Problems
Navy Times and Stars and Stripes reported suicide attempts and declining morale. A Democratic lawmaker also described alleged problems including moldy showers, broken toilets and prolonged shortages of hot water and basic toiletries.
Defense Department Rebuttal
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the reports completely misrepresented conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Length and impact of deployment
Reports of Crew and Ship Problems
Democratic lawmakers and other reports characterized the ship’s more than 200 days without a port call as a modern-day record and raised concerns about effects on crew mental health and the ship’s condition.
Defense Department Rebuttal
The reports state that deployments typically last six to nine months but can be extended during conflict; the available articles do not provide a separate Defense Department figure disputing the duration.
Details of the Thailand visit
Reports of Crew and Ship Problems
A Thai official said the USS Abraham Lincoln would dock next week for crew rest and recreation.
Defense Department Rebuttal
Thailand’s Navy confirmed that a U.S. carrier strike group would make a brief routine stop but did not identify the vessels or give a date, citing security concerns.
- Ship
- USS Abraham Lincoln
- Expected visit
- Brief port call in Thailand next week
- Personnel aboard
- Approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines
- Time at sea
- More than 200 consecutive days without a port call, according to Democratic lawmakers
- Home port
- San Diego
- Visit purpose
- Rest, recuperation and logistical support; no exercises are scheduled
- Reported concerns
- Navy Times and Stars and Stripes reported suicide attempts and declining morale aboard the ship
- Official response
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the reports completely misrepresented conditions aboard the carrier
Sources
USS Abraham Lincoln to Dock in Thailand After 200 Days at Sea
USS Abraham Lincoln to make port call in Thailand after record 9-month deployment
USS Abraham Lincoln To Dock In Thailand After 200+ Days At Sea: Sailors Get ‘Rest And Recreation’
