LAEM CHABANG, Thailand, Sept 2 — US Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln steamed into Thailand’s Laem Chabang today after 286 days at sea, including a lengthy deployment in West Asia, amid reports of mental health concerns and deteriorating conditions on board.
The Lincoln, carrying about 5,000 sailors and Marines, was deployed in November last year and was involved in the US naval blockade and combat operations in the war with Iran.
It set a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea, according to Democratic lawmakers.
Naval deployments typically last between six and nine months but can be extended during times of conflict.
Accompanied by other US naval vessels, the aircraft carrier will stop in Thailand — the United States’ only treaty ally in mainland Southeast Asia — for five days of rest and recuperation, according to Thai officials.
‘Truly historic’ accomplishments
“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,” Carrier Strike Group 3 commander Rear Admiral Robert E Loughran said in a statement.
“What this strike group has accomplished is truly historic. I could not be prouder of the exceptional professionalism and expertise demonstrated by every member of this team during our operations.”
Thailand became a US treaty ally in 1954 before being designated a major non-NATO ally in 2003.
Thailand’s armed forces have long relied on US defence hardware, while the two countries’ militaries maintain close ties and hold annual exercises together.
Bangkok has made clear that the visit is for logistics, rest and recuperation in line with its treaty commitments and is not connected to the conflict in West Asia.
The arrival of thousands of military personnel has raised hopes of an economic boost for the nearby resort city of Pattaya, which also has a longstanding reputation as a sex tourism destination.
A fleet of about 40 buses will ferry the military personnel between Pattaya and the port at Laem Chabang, where the vessels will dock, Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches said.
Pattaya sits on the Gulf of Thailand, about 150 km southeast of Bangkok.
“There are certain places and activities that the personnel are prohibited from participating in, such as all kinds of water sports, jet skiing, bungee jumping, wrestling, and boxing,” he told Reuters.
‘Drinks, having fun, and letting loose’
Police will deploy additional patrols around Pattaya’s main beachfront and nightlife district following raids over the weekend that led to 40 to 50 people being detained on suspicion of prostitution, officials said.
Although prostitution is illegal in Thailand, the sex industry operates openly in major tourism hubs, including parts of Bangkok and Pattaya, despite occasional crackdowns.
On the eve of the Lincoln’s arrival, Pattaya street vendors near the city’s infamous Walking Street nightlife zone were excited by the prospect of a boost in sales.
“It’s been so quiet these days,” said clothes seller Kadsalin Ketpa, 43, who stocked up on US basketball vests and elephant-patterned trousers ahead of the port visit.
“I hope with their arrival they would drive my sales up. I’ve prepared some products for them, I don’t know if they will like them.”
Food seller Saroch, 45, said port visits by the US military were good for business and always something to look forward to.
“They’re here for drinks, having fun, and letting loose,” Saroch said.
