US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln arrives off Thailand

• The nuclear-powered USS Abraham Lincoln arrived off the coast of Thailand on Wednesday after months at sea, according to AFP correspondents.
• The carrier’s crew of about 5,000 is set to make its first shore visit since November, amid reports of deteriorating living conditions and mental health concerns on board.

The US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrived off the coast of Thailand on Wednesday, ahead of an expected port call at Laem Chabang near Pattaya, according to AFP correspondents.

The nuclear-powered carrier was seen approaching the port, marking the first shore visit for its roughly 5,000-member crew since November.

The ship left California in November 2025 for missions in the South China Sea before being diverted toward the Middle East ahead of the US-‘Israeli’ strikes on Iran.

The Abraham Lincoln has attracted significant attention in the United States over reports of deteriorating living conditions and mental health problems among its crew after spending months at sea.

Reports have included suicide attempts on board, fueling criticism of President Donald Trump’s war against Iran and the prolonged deployment of US forces.

Pattaya, a popular tourist destination that has long served as a rest and recreation site for US military personnel since the Vietnam War, has increased security measures ahead of the crew’s arrival.

The city is known for its beaches and nightlife, which has also drawn longstanding scrutiny over its association with the sex tourism industry.

A sign outside a local bar read: “We welcome all US military. Thank you for your service.”

Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet said buses would be provided to transport sailors from the carrier to the city and return them to the ship on Sunday, when the vessel is scheduled to depart.