USS Abraham Lincoln Docks in Thailand for Crew Shore Leave
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier docked at Laem Chabang port in Thailand, allowing its crew of approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines to take shore leave in Pattaya after nearly nine months at sea.

Detroit, MI, September 2, 2026 —
The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, has arrived at Laem Chabang port in Thailand. The docking marks a significant port visit for the vessel and its crew, offering an opportunity for shore leave after an extended period at sea.
Approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines embarked on the USS Abraham Lincoln will be granted shore leave in the popular tourist destination of Pattaya. This port call comes after the crew spent nearly nine months deployed at sea, highlighting the importance of such visits for morale and rest.
The USS Abraham Lincoln’s presence in Thailand is part of its ongoing operations and engagements in the region. Aircraft carriers like the Lincoln serve as crucial naval assets, projecting power and maintaining presence across various maritime environments. Their port visits are often strategic, reinforcing alliances and providing logistical support for the crew.
Laem Chabang, located in the Chonburi Province of Thailand, is a major deep-sea port and a frequent destination for naval vessels. Pattaya, a coastal city known for its beaches and vibrant atmosphere, is a popular choice for sailors seeking recreation and relaxation during their time ashore. The duration of the crew’s shore leave was not specified in the provided details.
The USS Abraham Lincoln, commissioned in 1989, is the ninth nuclear-powered aircraft carrier of the United States Navy. Its deployment cycles typically involve extensive periods at sea followed by strategic port visits to various allied nations. This visit to Thailand underscores the continuing bilateral relationship between the United States and Thailand.
The ship’s mission and specific operational details during this deployment remain part of routine naval activities. The crew’s opportunity to experience local culture and relax in Pattaya is a standard, yet important, component of extended naval deployments.
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