US carrier Abraham Lincoln departs Thailand after respite visit
After a record 250 days at sea without a port stop, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln docked in Thailand.
The US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln left Thailand on Sunday after a five-day port visit, ending a respite from an extended deployment that included operations in the Middle East, the US Navy said.
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US Navy Captain Dan Keeler, the Abraham Lincoln’s commanding officer, thanked the people of Thailand for their "incredible hospitality".
Naval deployments typically last six to nine months, but during times of conflict, they can be extended.
The nuclear-powered Lincoln, with roughly 5,000 personnel, was involved in the US naval blockade and combat operations in the war with Iran and — according to Democratic lawmakers — set a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea.
Accompanied by other US naval vessels, the Lincoln arrived early on Wednesday in Thailand, the United States' only treaty partner in mainland Southeast Asia, during a visit that Thai officials said would last five days.
Busloads of sailors and Marines wearing civilian clothes, many smiling and waving, started arriving at a hotel in the resort city of Pattaya, about 150 km (93 miles) southeast of Bangkok, shortly after their ships docked.
The port visit raised hopes of an economic boost for Pattaya, which also has a long-standing reputation as a sex tourism destination.
The city's mayor, Poramase Ngampiches, met the commander of the Lincoln on the day they arrived and said US officials had restricted the crew's activities during the stay, including water sports and visits to certain entertainment zones after sunset, which he said could create a negative image.
Police deployed additional patrols around Pattaya's main beachfront and nightlife district, following raids that saw the arrest of 40 to 50 people for suspected prostitution.
Although illegal in Thailand, the sex industry operates openly in tourism hubs, including in Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya, despite occasional crackdowns.
On the eve of the Lincoln's arrival, Pattaya street vendors near the city's infamous "Walking Street" nightlife zone shared their excitement about the prospect of a boost in sales.
"It's been so quiet these days," said clothes seller Kadsalin Ketpa, 43. "I hope with their arrival they would drive my sales up."
Food seller Saroch, 45, said port visits by the US military were good for business.
"They're here for drinks, having fun, and letting loose," Saroch said.