The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier arrives in Thailand for its first rest-and-relaxation port call after a record-setting deployment.

The USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, docked in the port of Laem Chabang in Thailand on Wednesday. This marks the crew's first full rest-and-relaxation port call after a record-setting deployment of 286 days at sea. The crew of 5,000 sailors and Marines spent nearly nine months on an uninterrupted deployment, including months of combat and blockade operations against Iran in the Middle East. Observers noted the ship's weathered appearance, with significant rust patches along the waterline and flight deck. Captain Dan Keeler, the commanding officer, acknowledged the ship's appearance, comparing it to a dirty car in a parking lot. While reports from home suggested deteriorating living conditions and supply shortages, Captain Dan Keeler noted a disconnect between those reports and the actual experience on board. The crew will remain in Thailand for several days to rest and recharge. During this time, they will conduct high-priority maintenance work on the ship's hull. President Trump dismissed concerns regarding the length of the deployment, stating that the time spent at sea was "not nearly long enough."

Sources

• Al Jazeera
  USS Abraham Lincoln reaches Thailand after 9 months at sea
• CNN
  Rusty state of USS Abraham Lincoln after marathon deployment shocks observers
• The Guardian
  ‘It’s a fever dream right now’: sailors of USS Abraham Lincoln voice joy after arriving in Thailand

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Paywall and unreadable sources

• The New York Times
  U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln Docks in Thailand, Giving Weary Crew a Break
• Financial Times
  US sailors roll into Thailand’s Pattaya resort after nine months at sea