The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier arrived at a port in eastern Thailand on Wednesday, ending a grueling deployment in West Asia that kept the vessel at sea for more than 250 days and ultimately 286 days total.
Associated Press journalists observed the Lincoln, which carries around 5,000 service members, entering Laem Chabang port in Chonburi province shortly after the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. destroyer passed through the area.
The extended deployment has raised concerns after reports of worsening mental health among crew members and shortages of supplies, including food and hygiene items. The crew was not immediately available to reporters.
The carrier’s hull appeared to require maintenance, with prominent patches of what looked like rust visible, particularly near the waterline and along the edge of the flight deck where fighter jets and helicopters were stationed.
Asked about the ship’s condition, Lincoln commanding officer Capt. Dan Keeler responded:
“It is normal for a long deployment and we’re not going to make further comments.”
Keeler also offered a brief response when asked about U.S. President Donald Trump’s description of the record-setting deployment as “not nearly long enough.”
“So, the president speaks for himself,” he said. “That is what I think about that.”
In a prepared statement issued earlier, Keeler said:
“Abraham Lincoln’s visit to Laem Chabang is a clear demonstration of our enduring commitment to our allies and partners in Thailand, and we are all very excited to make Thailand the first port visit on our historic deployment.”
The USS George Washington, which is normally based in Asia, replaced the Lincoln in West Asia in August.
