USS Abraham Lincoln sailors dock in Thailand after record deployment

Sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have described their record-setting deployment as the worst they have ever experienced, with many expressing relief at finally reaching shore in Thailand after more than eight months at sea without a full port call. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier docked at Laem Chabang, a deepwater port near Pattaya, on Wednesday, allowing nearly 5,000 sailors and Marines to disembark for the first time since leaving their home port of San Diego in November 2025. The deployment, which included a 264-day stretch at sea without a full port visit, has been marked by reports of severe onboard strain. Families of service members had previously raised alarms about food shortages, plumbing failures, and declining mental health among the crew. While U.S. Central Command has denied reports of poor conditions, sailors themselves confirmed the extreme difficulty of the voyage. Many told reporters their top priority upon reaching shore was to contact their families via video call after months of limited communication. The stopover in Thailand comes as the Lincoln returns from military operations in the Middle East related to the ongoing conflict with Iran.