According to AFP, the USS Lincoln, carrying approximately 5,000 US military personnel, left Thailand on the 6th, concluding its five-day port visit. This marked the first time the ship had a complete stopover at a port since its long-term deployment at sea. The thousands of sailors who disembarked also brought considerable spending to the local area. The mayor of Pattaya revealed that the five days resulted in about 100 million Thai bahts (approximately 22 million RMB) in local consumption.
The USS Lincoln arrived at the port of Linchabang in Thailand on September 2. The U.S. Embassy in Thailand stated that the ship began this deployment last November, and the total duration of deployment has reached 286 days. During this period, the ship remained without a stop at any ports for 264 consecutive days, during which the crew had to travel on land. During this time, the USS Lincoln primarily operated in the Middle East, participating in U.S. naval operations against Iran.
Long life at sea is not easy. Previously, US media reported that the USS Lincoln was facing food shortages, pipe infrastructure problems, and issues with the mental health of its crew members. In August, a Democratic Congressman demanded an investigation into the situation on board the ship.
The crew of the USS Lincoln aircraft carrier is spending their time in Pattaya.
The captain of the USS Lincoln, Dan Keeler, tried to downplay the reports, but admitted that prolonged deployments indeed affected supplies. There was a shortage of fresh fruits and vegetables on board, and daily necessities like soap and toothpaste had to be distributed carefully. After arriving in Thailand, he said he could already look forward to eating a “fresh salad”.
Long-term navigation has also left obvious marks on this nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. It has been noticed that there are signs of rust in many parts of the "Lincoln" ship, especially above the waterline and along the edges of the flight deck. Killeer himself described this aircraft carrier as looking like “a dirty car in a parking lot”.
The arrival of 5,000 US military officers and soldiers has excited businesses in Baja that are currently in a low tourist season. Some restaurants and bars in the city have hung outfits welcoming the troops, and shops have offered discounts for military personnel.
Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet said on the 6th that American military personnel spent an estimated 100 million Thai bahts in just 5 days. Many people were busy shopping, visiting tourist attractions, and purchasing souvenirs, "It's clear that they miss their families."
The aircraft carrier also took the opportunity to “restock”. Polame revealed that local suppliers sold goods such as toothpaste to the USS Lincoln, with transaction amounts reaching millions of Thai baht. Previously, media had reported that this ship experienced shortages of basic supplies like toothpaste, deodorants, and soap during certain periods.
Facing a large number of US military personnel, the Thai police have increased patrols in Pattaya and imposed restrictions on the activities of the personnel. Some areas of the local famous red-light district have been designated as no-go zones. The personnel are also prohibited from buying marijuana, visiting pharmacies, or participating in water sports.
Over these 5 days, there were no serious security incidents. Local police said that only two US military personnel had a dispute while drinking near Patong Walking Street, and they were later sent back to their ships by the US Navy.
After a brief rest, the USS Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group departed from Limassol Port on the morning of the 6th and continued with its deployment mission.
