USS Abraham Lincoln Crew Disembarks After 286-Day Deployment

Sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln disembarked in Pattaya, Thailand, on Thursday, after 286 days at sea following a lengthy deployment to the Middle East.

The aircraft carrier's deployment included a record-setting uninterrupted time at sea of more than 260 days, with 264 uninterrupted days before its arrival in Chonburi province. The Lincoln supported the U.S. war against Iran, participating in naval blockade and combat missions. Concerns arose last month regarding deteriorating mental health among the crew and shortages of key food supplies aboard the ship.

The Navy downplayed these problems, while President Donald Trump commented that the deployment was not nearly long enough. The ship, which left its homeport of San Diego on November 21, 2025, appeared rusted and worn upon arrival, with its hull streaked with rust and paint visibly weathered. Naval experts attribute this to prolonged exposure to seawater, humidity, and heavy operational activity without routine preservation work.

The Lincoln carries roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines. Its Thailand port call is expected to last four to five days, providing personnel their first opportunity for rest and recuperation. Two other ships from the Lincoln’s strike group, the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. and the USS Robert Smalls, are docked elsewhere in Thailand. The USS Abraham Lincoln is expected to depart Thailand this weekend to continue its journey back to the U.S.