USS Abraham Lincoln Crew Spends US$30 Million During Thailand Visit After Record 286-Day Deployment
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The US Navy nuclear aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) concluded its five-day port call in Thailand on Sunday morning, September 6, after what has been described as a record-setting 286-day continuous sea deployment. The ship's approximately 5,000 sailors and marines seized the opportunity to visit nearby Pattaya, where local authorities estimate they spent up to 100 million baht (approximately HK$23.71 million), providing a significant boost to the resort city's tourism and retail sectors .
Key Points
- The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group arrived at Laem Chabang port on September 2, with the vessel departing at approximately 11 a.m. on September 6, according to Agence France-Presse journalists on site .
- The ship had been continuously deployed at sea for approximately 286 days since departing San Diego, California, last November—a record-setting achievement for the modern US Navy, as described by Democratic lawmakers .
- Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches stated that the thousands of visiting personnel spent up to 100 million baht on shopping, dining, and sightseeing at coastal attractions .
- Commanding Officer Dan Keeler expressed gratitude to Thai authorities for their hospitality, noting the crew had eagerly anticipated the opportunity to rest and experience local culture .
- Thai police reported one minor incident on September 3 when two intoxicated sailors were involved in a dispute on Walking Street; they were returned to the carrier without any arrests or violations of Thai law .
Why It Matters
The visit underscores Thailand's strategic position as the United States' only treaty ally in mainland Southeast Asia, with the port call representing both a morale boost for exhausted sailors and a demonstration of bilateral military cooperation. For Hong Kong readers, the timing of this deployment—originally rerouted to the Middle East amid regional tensions—highlights the ongoing strain on US naval resources and the operational demands facing American carrier strike groups in maintaining global presence .
The visit underscores Thailand's strategic position as the United States' only treaty ally in mainland Southeast Asia, with the port call representing both a morale boost for exhausted sailors and a demonstration of bilateral military cooperation. For Hong Kong readers, the timing of this deployment—originally rerouted to the Middle East amid regional tensions—highlights the ongoing strain on US naval resources and the operational demands facing American carrier strike groups in maintaining global presence .