Navy aircraft carrier en route to the US after five ‘incredible’ days in Thailand

The US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln left Thailand on Sunday after a five-day port visit, ​ending a respite from an extended deployment ‌that included operations in the Middle East, the US Navy said.

“We would like to thank the ​people of Thailand for their incredible hospitality,” ​US Navy Captain Dan Keeler, the Abraham ⁠Lincoln’s commanding officer, said in a ​statement.

Naval deployments typically last for six to nine ​months, but during times of conflict that can be extended.

The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) aircraft carrier departs Laem Chabang Port on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, in Si Racha, Thailand. Getty Images
A display welcomes the USS Abraham Lincoln in Pattaya City, Thailand, on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. REUTERS
US service personnel of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) arrive during their port call at the Hard Rock Hotel in Pattaya on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. AFP via Getty Images

The nuclear-powered Lincoln, with roughly 5,000 personnel, was ​involved in the US naval blockade and combat ​operations in the war with Iran and — according to Democratic lawmakers — ‌set ⁠a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea.

Accompanied by other US naval vessels, the Lincoln arrived early on Wednesday in Thailand, the ​United States’ only ​treaty partner ⁠in mainland Southeast Asia, during a visit that Thai officials said would ​last five days.

Busloads of sailors and ​Marines ⁠wearing civilian clothes, many smiling and waving, started arriving at a hotel in the resort ⁠city ​of Pattaya, about 150 ​km (93 miles) southeast of Bangkok, shortly after their ships docked.

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