USS Abraham Lincoln crew reaches Thailand after 286 days

Around 5,000 US sailors and Marines from the USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in Thailand on Wednesday for their first port call in 286 days at sea.

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier docked at Laem Chabang, north of Pattaya, for five days of rest and recreation after a Middle East deployment that drew concern in the United States over conditions on board.

Pattaya, known for beaches, nightlife and sex tourism, had been preparing for the visit. Mayor Poramase Ngampiches said security had been increased and that service members were not allowed to take part in water sports such as jet-skiing or to use cannabis during the stop.

Poramase said the visit could bring up to 100 million baht, about $3 million, to the city during low season. He also denied reports of arrests of sex workers before the carrier's arrival.

Commanding officer Captain Dan Keeler said the stop was a well-deserved break for the crew.

The carrier left California in November for duty in the South China Sea and was later rerouted to the Middle East before US-Israeli attacks on Iran began in February. Reports of food shortages, broken plumbing and mental health crises on board prompted Democratic lawmakers to call for an investigation.

US President Donald Trump dismissed the concerns. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said last month that a small number of mental health cases had been treated with no loss of life. The USS George Washington has replaced the Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East.