- USS Abraham Lincoln has completed a 270-day deployment at sea and has arrived in Thailand with 5,000 crew members.
- The crew is heading to a notorious Thai resort for shore leave, marking a significant moment after their lengthy deployment.
- Capt. Dan Keeler expressed that the arrival in Thailand is a "clear demonstration of our enduring commitment to our allies and partners in Thailand".
- Capt. Dan Keeler acknowledged that the carrier “looks like a dirty car in a parking lot” and noted a disconnect between reports and conditions on the ship.
- Keeler mentioned that while there was plenty of food, it became hard to get fresh fruit and vegetables, and they had to be careful with supplies of soap and toothpaste.
The USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in Thailand on Wednesday after a historic 280-day deployment, marking the longest uninterrupted time at sea for its crew of 5,000 sailors. Docking at Laem Chabang, the ship's commanding officer, Capt. Dan Keeler, emphasized the visit as a demonstration of U.S. commitment to its allies.134567
Local businesses in Pattaya are eagerly anticipating a surge in sales as sailors head to the city for shore leave. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet expressed optimism about the economic boost, stating, “Having the city be seen as an important vacation spot is something that we have aimed for.”
The crew, who have not been on shore for nearly nine months, are excited to experience Thai culture and cuisine. One sailor described the moment as “a fever dream,” looking forward to trying Thai food for the first time. However, some areas, like Soi 6, will be off-limits after sunset, according to the mayor.
Despite reports of food shortages and hygiene issues during the deployment, Keeler defended the ship's conditions, stating, “There’s a disconnect between reporting back home and what’s happening on the ship.” He acknowledged challenges in obtaining fresh produce but assured that there was plenty of food available.
The USS Abraham Lincoln's arrival comes as the USS George Washington has taken over its duties in the Middle East, leaving the U.S. without a carrier strike group in Asia.
“Capt. Dan Keeler called the ship's appearance 'normal for a long deployment' and declined further comment. He also said the president 'speaks for himself' regarding the deployment being 'not nearly long enough,' and expressed excitement that Thailand is the first port visit on the historic deployment.”
The Guardian
