USS Abraham Lincoln Arrives in Thailand After Record Deployment
The USS Abraham Lincoln has docked in Pattaya, Thailand, after an exhausting 286 days at sea, marking its first port call in over nine months following a challenging deployment in the Middle East. The crew of approximately 5,000 U.S. sailors is looking forward to a much-needed break after facing supply shortages and difficult conditions during their tenure at sea. Local authorities anticipate a significant influx of sailors into the tourist town, prompting warnings about potential increases in illegal activities, including prostitution. The arrival of the aircraft carrier is expected to provide a boost to the local economy as the weary sailors explore the vibrant locale.
BBC, The New York Times, NBC News, DVIDS, CBS News, AP News, USNI News, the-independent.com, MS NOW, USA Today