USS Abraham Lincoln to Dock at Thailand’s Pattaya Resort After 250 Days at Sea
British Broadcasting Corporation
After a record 250 days at sea without a port stop, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is preparing to dock in Thailand, offering its nearly 5,000 crew members a much-needed break.
The ship will dock close to the beach resort of Pattaya, known for its raucous nightlife and sex tourism. This visit holds significant historical echoes for the US, reminding one of the hundreds of thousands of US troops who came here for R&R (rest and relaxation) during the Vietnam War.
The neon-lit alleys of Pattaya’s famous Walking Street, usually bustling with customers, are uncharacteristically quiet. While go-go bars still display videos of pole-dancing women on their walls, the majority of visitors today are family groups from the Middle East, more interested in Turkish ice cream than the vibrant nightlife.
The Iran War has impacted local businesses, and the arrival of thousands of American sailors represents a rare opportunity for the economy.
The US carrier left San Diego last November for a six-month assignment in the Pacific and South China Sea. However, it was diverted to the Gulf in late February when the US and Israel began military operations against Iran.
Concerns have been raised about the crew’s well-being, with reports of food shortages, broken toilets, and mental stress. The US Navy acknowledged challenging conditions but stated that the crew received adequate support. They declined to comment further on the docking at Pattaya due to operational security.
Despite its close ties with China, Thailand is a treaty ally of the US, and port visits by US Navy ships are common. However, this visit might be the largest gathering of US military personnel directly from a war zone in Pattaya since the fall of Saigon in 1975.
"This visit could be our best hope," said Anon Saiteer, a gem seller near Walking Street, who has put up a sign welcoming the US sailors and marines, offering them special deals.
