2 weeks ago
After 286 Days at Sea, USS Lincoln Crew Finds Respite
The USS Abraham Lincoln is a very large American aircraft carrier.
Its sailors had spent 286 days at sea without a normal port visit.
They came to Pattaya, Thailand, for five days to rest.
Many sailors wanted simple things such as fresh meals, new socks, clean clothes and hair or nail care.
Some sailors said life on the ship had become stressful and that food and fresh vegetables were sometimes difficult to get.
The ship’s captain said some reports about conditions were exaggerated.
Local shops and restaurants welcomed the sailors because they brought many customers.
Thailand’s officials estimated that the visit could bring about 100 million baht to Pattaya.
The carrier left Thailand on Sunday.
Sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln spent five days in Pattaya after 286 uninterrupted days at sea.
Crew members sought ordinary comforts, including fresh food, clean clothes, pedicures, shopping and time away from the carrier.
Some sailors described mental strain, limited fresh produce and poor food, while the captain said reports were largely overstated.
Pattaya businesses reported increased sales, with the city’s mayor estimating the visit could generate about 100 million baht.
The carrier left Thailand on Sunday after visiting Laem Chabang port with other United States naval vessels.
- Who
- Sailors and Marines from the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group, along with local Pattaya businesses and officials.
- What
- The carrier made a five-day port visit after 286 uninterrupted days at sea.
- Where
- The crew visited Pattaya, Thailand, after the ships docked at Laem Chabang port.
- When
- The visit began on Wednesday and ended on Sunday; the articles identify the date as September 2026.
- Why
- The port call gave the crew time to rest and obtain ordinary goods and services, while also bringing potential business to Pattaya.
Concerns About Conditions
Navy’s Defense and Crew Resilience
Life aboard the carrier
Concerns About Conditions
Reports described worsening living conditions, mental strain and attempted suicides, while sailors cited cramped living arrangements and problems with food and fresh produce.
Navy’s Defense and Crew Resilience
The captain said accounts of conditions were largely overstated, and crew members said friendships helped them cope with the difficult deployment.
Why supplies declined
Concerns About Conditions
Some sailors linked lower standards to the unusually long deployment and the strain of combat operations.
Navy’s Defense and Crew Resilience
Other crew members said restocking during Operation Epic Fury would have exposed the ship to risk, making reduced supplies a consequence of battle conditions.
Economic impact in Pattaya
Concerns About Conditions
Some local vendors saw little benefit; one night-market seller said she sold only a single fridge magnet to a sailor.
Navy’s Defense and Crew Resilience
Other businesses reported a sharp increase in sales, and Pattaya’s mayor estimated the visit could generate about 100 million baht.
Key facts
- Deployment length
- 286 uninterrupted days at sea
- Port-call length
- Five days
- Carrier personnel
- About 5,000
- Port
- Laem Chabang, Thailand
- Estimated local spending
- About 100 million baht, or roughly $3 million
- Reported retail increase
- An American Eagle store reported sales above 200,000 baht on Wednesday, compared with about 70,000 baht on a typical off-season day
- Deployment context
- The ship took part in a naval blockade and combat operations in the war with Iran
Quotes
An unidentified USS Abraham Lincoln sailor
A crew member describing his relief and enjoyment of Thai food after returning to land
“Me and Thai food might be best friends after this”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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