US Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln Arrives in Thailand After 286 Days at Sea
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
The US Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrived at Thailand’s Laem Chabang port on Wednesday after spending 286 consecutive days at sea.
The carrier, which has around 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard, spent a significant part of its deployment operating in the Middle East. The vessel was involved in naval operations during the conflict with Iran.
According to Democratic lawmakers, the deployment set a modern-era record for consecutive days at sea for a US Navy carrier.
Five-Day Rest and Recovery Visit
The Abraham Lincoln is expected to remain in Thailand for five days as part of a planned rest, recovery and logistics stop.
Rear Admiral Robert E. Loughran, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3, said the port visit would give sailors and Marines an opportunity to rest after the lengthy deployment.
He also praised the crew for what he described as a significant achievement during their operations.
The carrier was deployed in November last year. US Navy deployments typically last between six and nine months, although they can be extended when military operations require a longer presence.
Strong US-Thailand Military Ties
Thailand has been a US treaty ally since 1954 and was designated a major non-NATO ally in 2003.
The two countries maintain close military relations and regularly conduct joint exercises.
Thai authorities have emphasized that the Abraham Lincoln’s visit is not connected to the current Middle East conflict. Officials said the port call is intended for rest, recovery and logistical purposes in line with the countries’ longstanding military relationship.
The carrier arrived with a large flight deck carrying helicopters and military aircraft, including F-35 fighter jets.
The guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. also arrived in the area and docked at nearby Sri Racha.
Pattaya Prepares for Thousands of Visitors
The arrival of thousands of US military personnel is expected to provide an economic boost to businesses in the nearby resort city of Pattaya.
Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches said around 40 buses would transport military personnel between the city and Laem Chabang port.
Local authorities have also announced restrictions on certain recreational activities for visiting personnel, including water sports, jet skiing, bungee jumping, wrestling and boxing.
Police are increasing patrols in popular areas of Pattaya during the visit to help maintain public safety.
Local Businesses Hope for Increased Sales
Businesses in Pattaya are looking forward to increased activity during the carrier’s stay.
Street vendors and food sellers near the city’s popular tourist areas said previous visits by US military personnel had brought additional customers.
Some shopkeepers prepared additional clothing and other products in anticipation of higher demand from the visiting sailors and Marines.
The port visit is expected to provide a short-term boost to restaurants, shops and other businesses as thousands of military personnel spend their rest period in the region.
