The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrived at Laem Chabang, Thailand, on 2026-09-02 after 286 consecutive days at sea, including a deployment in the Middle East. ^[1] The USS Abraham Lincoln docked in Pattaya, Thailand, after nearly nine months at sea, allowing approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines to visit the city. ^[2] Democratic lawmakers said the Lincoln set a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea, exceeding typical naval deployments of six to nine months. ^[3] The Lincoln, carrying roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines, was deployed in November 2025 and participated in the U.S. naval blockade and combat operations in the war with Iran. ^[4] American service members reportedly faced food shortages and mental health challenges during the deployment amid the ongoing Iran war. ^[5] The ship departed its home port of San Diego on November 21 and has spent virtually all of its time at sea since then. ^[6] Police will deploy additional patrols around Pattaya's main beachfront and nightlife district after weekend raids led to 40 to 50 people being detained for suspected prostitution, officials said. ^[7] A local food vendor named Saroch told Al Jazeera that sailors are there to drink, have fun, and let loose, and that their presence stimulates the economy every year. ^[8]