World News

USS Abraham Lincoln to dock in Thailand after 250 days at sea

Nearly 5,000 crew members will take shore leave near Pattaya under local and military restrictions following extended deployment in the Gulf.

Updated Sep 2, 2026 · 01:18 UTC1 reports

The short version

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is preparing to dock near Pattaya, Thailand, after remaining at sea for 250 days without a port visit.
The ship's deployment was prolonged and rerouted to the Gulf in February following military operations against Iran.
Thai authorities and the US military have placed specific areas off-limits to personnel, including cannabis dispensaries, water sports, and Pattaya's Soi 6 entertainment zone.
The carrier is scheduled to depart Thailand on September 6 to commence its transit across the Pacific back to the United States.

The USS Abraham Lincoln departed San Diego in November on an assignment originally slated for six months before being diverted to the Gulf in late February.[BBC News]
The port call near Pattaya marks the carrier's first stop after a 250-day stretch continuously at sea.[BBC News]
Thai authorities have deployed hundreds of police officers to entertainment areas and restricted US personnel from visiting cannabis shops, Soi 6, and participating in jet-skiing and paragliding.[BBC News]
US lawmakers recently raised concerns over onboard conditions including food shortages, sanitation issues, and mental health strain, while the US Navy stated that personnel were adequately supported despite tough working environments.[BBC News]
The aircraft carrier is scheduled to depart Thailand on September 6 to begin its voyage home.[BBC News]

The US Navy declined to comment on the carrier's docking in Pattaya citing operational security, leaving formal military logistics for the visit unconfirmed by the Pentagon.[BBC News]