Arrival at Laem Chabang
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier arrived in eastern Thailand early Wednesday, approaching Laem Chabang port in Chonburi province. The carrier, carrying about 5,000 service members, was preceded by the destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen , which docked in nearby Sriracha. The guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls went to Map Ta Phut in neighboring Rayong province, according to a S. Navy statement reported by NBC News.
Rear Adm. Robert E. Loughran, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3, said in a statement: "Our arrival in Laem Chabang provides a well-deserved opportunity for our sailors and Marines to rest and recharge. It also underscores the strong and enduring partnership and alliance between the United States and Thailand."
A record-setting deployment
The Lincoln's arrival marks the end of an extended deployment that included supporting S. strikes against Iran, as reported by multiple outlets. Its time at sea included a record-setting uninterrupted stretch of more than 250 days, with NBC News noting it was the carrier's first full port stop after 286 days at sea since the deployment began in November.
The deployment's toll was visible on the ship, with NBC News reporting that paint had worn off and the metal underneath was rusted on the 1,092-foot warship. The length of the deployment also raised concerns about crew welfare, with reports of deteriorating mental health and shortages of supplies including food and hygiene products, as noted by the Associated Press and echoed in other reports.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said that reports about conditions on the ship were "completely misrepresented," according to the Spokane Spokesman-Review.
The USS George Washington, usually based in Asia, relieved the Lincoln in the Middle East in August, allowing it to head home. Thai officials have said the Lincoln will return to the S. after its port call in Thailand.
Rest and relaxation in Pattaya
Many of the service members are expected to visit Pattaya, a nearby coastal resort city. According to a S. military official cited by NBC News, about 5,000 sailors and Marines are expected to take part in a four-day "rest and relaxation" stop, with each service member receiving three "liberty days" and one day of duty aboard the ship.
Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches said in a phone interview that sailors are arriving "with their pockets full, as they haven't had a chance to spend any money at all." He estimated visitors could spend $2.5 million to $3.75 million over the five-day stop, NBC News reported officials expect the visit to inject about $3 million into the local economy.
The visit comes at a time when Pattaya has been struggling with a drop in tourism. The tourism federation of Chonburi, the province that includes Pattaya, said in July that visitor numbers had fallen 20%-30% and that occupancy at some hotels had dropped as low as 15%-20%. Officials in Pattaya have attributed the decline to travel disruptions and soaring fuel prices stemming from the Middle East conflict, NBC News reported.
Thai officials have said the stop is for rest and recovery, and city officials have welcomed the visit for its economic benefits. Authorities have stepped up security to ensure a smooth visit, with heightened police patrols and checks along the roads, according to NBC News.
Local preparations and restrictions
The Spokane Spokesman-Review reported that the Lincoln is scheduled to remain at Laem Chabang through Sept. 6, and that no joint military exercises are planned. Chonburi officials have held security meetings and urged businesses to charge fair prices and treat visitors well.
Police in the area have been active in preparation for the visit. The Spokesman-Review reported that police fined 25 people on Saturday, including 18 Thai nationals, for offenses including harassing passersby and soliciting prostitution.
Personnel may visit nearby islands but will be barred from jet skiing and consuming cannabis, and will be prohibited from entering certain areas after sunset, including an area known as Soi 6 that is known for its go-go bars, according to Poramase, as reported by the Spokesman-Review.
Wichai Yuankham, a 35-year-old factory worker who came to watch the ships arrive, told NBC News, "I am just excited to see the destroyer docking," describing the visit as a welcome boost to the local economy.