Tugboats prepare to guide US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln towards Laem Chabang Port, near the city of Pattaya, September 2, 2026. /VCG
US Navy aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln steamed into Thailand's Laem Chabang on Wednesday after 286 days wihtout a port call, a deployment that's reportedly taken a heavy toll on its 5,000-strong crew.
The nuclear-powered Lincoln was involved in the US naval blockade and combat operations against Iran, and set a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea, according to Democratic lawmakers.
The stop in Thailand – the United States' only treaty partner in mainland Southeast Asia – is about rest and recuperation and will last five days, according to Thai officials.
The Lincoln was deployed in November last year and has since been beset by reports of mental health struggles and deteriorating conditions on board. Typically naval deployments last six to nine months, but can be extended during times of conflict.
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