The US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln departed Thailand on Sunday after a five-day port call that brought thousands of American sailors to the Pattaya area.
The carrier’s departure from Laem Chabang Port, near Pattaya, marked the end of its first port visit following reports about deteriorating conditions aboard the ship after months at sea.
Around 5,000 sailors were aboard the carrier, which arrived on Wednesday for rest and recreation after a lengthy deployment in the Middle East.
USS Abraham Lincoln departs Thailand
The USS Abraham Lincoln left Laem Chabang Port at around 11am local time on Sunday, according to AFP journalists at the scene.
The carrier had docked roughly half an hour’s drive from Pattaya, a major Thai resort city known for its beaches and nightlife.
Its arrival during Thailand’s tourism low season was welcomed by local businesses, which expected the large number of sailors to provide a boost to the local economy.
Pattaya mayor estimates sailors spent $3 million
Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches estimated that enlisted US personnel spent as much as 100 million baht, or approximately $3 million, during their five-day visit.
The city also benefited from sales of supplies to the ship, including toiletries.
Poramase told AFP that sailors and Marines spent much of their free time shopping and visiting tourist attractions along Thailand’s coast.
He said their purchases also included souvenirs for family members back home.
USS Abraham Lincoln crew faces mounting strain as Iran war extends deployment
Port visit ends largely without incident
Local authorities said the visit concluded without any major incidents.
Pattaya police chief Anek Srathongyoo told AFP that “everything went fine”, with no significant arrests or disputes reported.
One incident occurred early Thursday when two American sailors became involved in a drunken altercation near Walking Street, a popular nightlife area in Pattaya.
Police later sent the two sailors back to the USS Abraham Lincoln. The police chief described the incident as a small and relatively minor dispute.
Reports raised concerns over conditions aboard carrier
The Thailand port call came amid renewed attention on living conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
US Democratic lawmakers called last month for an investigation following reports of food shortages, broken plumbing and mental health problems among personnel aboard the carrier.
Reports also alleged that sailors had at times lacked basic toiletries, including toothpaste, deodorant and soap.
President Donald Trump dismissed concerns surrounding the carrier, which had spent months deployed in the Middle East amid the US conflict with Iran.
The USS Abraham Lincoln was subsequently replaced in the region by the USS George Washington.
Thailand visit provides boost to local businesses
The presence of thousands of US sailors provided an unexpected boost to businesses in Pattaya during the tourism low season.
Local officials said sailors visited shops, tourist attractions and other businesses during their time ashore.
The spending also extended to supplies purchased for the ship, providing additional revenue for local sellers.
The USS Abraham Lincoln’s departure now brings the five-day port visit to an end as the carrier and its crew continue their deployment.
