USS Abraham Lincoln arrives in Thailand

The United States aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has arrived at Thailand’s Laem Chabang port following an extended deployment that included combat operations during the Iran war.

The Nimitz-class carrier reached Thailand on Wednesday after spending 286 days at sea, according to reports.

Around 5,000 US Navy personnel are scheduled to visit Thailand from September 2 to 6. A large number of sailors and other personnel are expected to spend their shore leave in the popular coastal city of Pattaya.

Local businesses are anticipating a significant economic boost from the visit, with spending estimated at up to 100 million baht, or around $3 million.

Pattaya authorities organised a reception for members of the carrier’s crew following their arrival.

The visit comes after a lengthy operational deployment in the US military’s Central Command area. During its deployment, the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group participated in combat operations against Iran under Operation Epic Fury.

The strike group also took part in a major naval blockade operation, which the US Navy described as one of the largest of its kind in decades.

The carrier’s prolonged deployment had previously raised concerns among families of US service members over the extended time spent at sea.

On August 14, US President Donald Trump said the Abraham Lincoln would be replaced in the Middle East. He said another US aircraft carrier would take over its duties as part of the planned rotation.

The USS George Washington is expected to replace the Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East under the US Navy’s scheduled rotation, according to reports.