The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is scheduled to dock in Thailand next week, marking the end of an extended deployment in the Middle East, according to Thai officials. The vessel, which departed San Diego on November 21, 2025, has been at sea for over 200 days, exceeding typical naval deployment durations.
This extended mission was redirected to support ongoing operations against Iran. The approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard are expected to use the stop in Thailand for rest and recuperation, with no training exercises planned. A spokesperson for the Thai Navy stated the visit is a routine port call intended for personnel to "rest and recuperate … as well as to receive logistical support."
Earlier this month, families of service members raised concerns about deteriorating conditions and declining morale on the Lincoln. Reports from the Navy Times and Stars and Stripes highlighted two suicide attempts aboard the ship during its prolonged deployment. While these reports surfaced, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth downplayed the incidents, asserting that the conditions were "completely misrepresented."