Sept 2026 : Thousands of US sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln departed Thailand on Sunday, bringing an end to the vessel’s first port call after spending around nine months at sea. AFP journalists witnessed the carrier leaving Laem Chabang port, concluding a five-day stop that provided its 5,000-member crew with an opportunity for rest and recreation.
The carrier arrived at Laem Chabang, located about 30 minutes from the popular resort city of Pattaya, on Wednesday. The visit came after the ship’s lengthy deployment in the Middle East and amid reports of deteriorating living conditions aboard the vessel, including shortages of basic supplies and growing mental health concerns among personnel.
The arrival of thousands of American sailors was welcomed by businesses in Pattaya, particularly during the tourism low season. The coastal city, renowned for its beaches and nightlife, anticipated a significant economic boost from the influx of US military personnel.
The USS Abraham Lincoln departed Laem Chabang at around 11:00 am local time (0400 GMT), AFP journalists reported. The ship’s departure marked the conclusion of what local officials described as a largely trouble-free visit.
Authorities had increased security measures in Pattaya during the sailors’ stay. Police also conducted a crackdown on sex workers ahead of the arrival, although Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches denied that the action was specifically connected to the presence of US sailors.
Pattaya police chief Anek Srathongyoo said the visit proceeded without major incidents.
“Everything went fine,” Anek said, adding that there had been no arrests or significant disputes apart from an argument between American sailors on the first day.
Two US Navy personnel were reportedly sent back to the Lincoln following a drunken altercation near Pattaya’s Walking Street entertainment district early Thursday. Police described the incident as a minor scuffle and said local residents contacted authorities to prevent the disagreement from escalating.
The port visit also came against the backdrop of growing scrutiny over conditions aboard the Lincoln. Last month, Democratic lawmakers in the United States called for an investigation following reports of food shortages, malfunctioning plumbing and mental health crises among members of the crew during their extended deployment.
The reports also claimed that sailors had, at times, lacked basic toiletries such as toothpaste, deodorant and soap. The concerns emerged amid criticism of the Trump administration’s handling of the prolonged conflict with Iran. The USS Abraham Lincoln was subsequently replaced in the Middle East by the USS George Washington.
Despite the controversy surrounding conditions aboard the carrier, the sailors’ visit provided a substantial boost to Pattaya’s local economy. Mayor Poramase estimated that enlisted US personnel spent as much as 100 million baht, or roughly $3 million, during their five-day stay.
The city also benefited from sales of supplies to the ship, including toiletries. Poramase said such purchases were worth millions of baht, highlighting the broader commercial impact of the port call.
Many sailors and Marines spent their time shopping, visiting tourist attractions and exploring Thailand’s coastal destinations. Poramase said their shopping activity also reflected their desire to purchase souvenirs and gifts for family members back home after their extended deployment at sea.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
