US News
USS Lincoln reaches Thailand port after record 286 days at sea
The aircraft carrier made its first full port call following an extended Middle East deployment marked by combat operations and scrutiny over crew conditions.
The short version
- The USS Lincoln docked in Laem Chabang, Thailand, completing an uninterrupted 286-day stretch at sea following its November 2025 deployment.
- Around 5,000 crew members will have liberty in Thailand before the carrier embarks on its journey back to its homeport in San Diego.
- The deployment drew political debate over crew welfare and mission length, with Democratic lawmakers alleging supply and sanitation issues while defense officials rejected those claims.
Key facts
- The USS Lincoln made its first full port stop in Thailand after spending a record 286 days continuously at sea since deploying in November 2025.[ABC News]
- According to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the carrier encountered multiple drone and missile strikes while operating in active combat in the Middle East.[ABC News]
- Democratic lawmakers sent a letter raising concerns regarding reported food shortages, plumbing malfunctions, and declining mental health among the roughly 5,000 crew members.[ABC News]
- The Navy and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed reports of inadequate living conditions, with Hegseth calling them completely misrepresented.[ABC News]
- U.S. Central Command confirmed the USS George Washington took over the Lincoln's operational duties in the Middle East as of August 20.[ABC News]
- The ship will remain in Thailand for several days before returning to its home base in San Diego.[ABC News]
What remains uncertain
- The exact date the carrier will conclude its return voyage and dock at its home base in San Diego has not been specified.[ABC News]
Sources
- Family members speak out as Lincoln docks in Thailand after record 9 months at seaABC News - Top Stories