According to AFP and the Star Island Daily, after completing its 272-day deployment in the Middle East, the US 'Lincoln' aircraft carrier will stop in Thailand for rest next week before returning to its base in the United States. Surasanth Khunchiri, a spokesman for the Thai Ministry of Defense, confirmed on the 27th that three ships of the US aircraft carrier strike group would make a short stop in eastern Thailand 'to provide crew members with opportunities to go ashore and relax'. No military exercises will take place during this period.
Thailand's naval spokesman Latana Japan also said that US sailors will go to the resort of Pattaya south of Bangkok for 'rest and entertainment'. Regarding reports that the aircraft carrier 'Lincoln' will arrive in Thailand between September 2nd and 6th, the spokesman neither denied nor confirmed these reports.
According to Thai media reports, a U.S. aircraft carrier group will stop at Nong Phai Port in Chon Buri Province. There are approximately 5,000 officers and soldiers accompanying the fleet. The Bantai City government has made comprehensive arrangements for reception and security measures. Bantai Mayor Ngampi Chets expects that if the 5,000 officers and soldiers are allowed to disembark for consumption, tourism revenue of about 5 million to 15 million Thai baht could be generated based on average consumption levels.
Previously, the USS Lincoln was reported to have low morale due to its intense combat schedule and harsh living conditions. After leaving its home port in San Diego in November last year, the aircraft carrier was reassigned to the Middle East. During its 272-day deployment, except for brief refuelings in Guam and Oman, it spent most of its time on sea-based combat duty. The crew did not receive regular rest periods, and there were even reports of several crew members attempting to commit suicide due to mental distress. U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis responded by saying that the relevant reports “completely distort the facts.”
