The USS Abraham Lincoln arrived at the Laem Chabang port in Thailand on Wednesday after a nine-month deployment totaling 286 days at sea. ^[1] The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln docked at Laem Chabang Port near Pattaya, Thailand, on 2025-09-03, with about 5,000 sailors and Marines beginning a five-day shore leave following a deployment of more than 280 days. ^[2] Approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard the carrier are scheduled to spend five days in Pattaya before the ship returns to the United States. ^[3] The Navy Times reported that at least two sailors attempted suicide by jumping into the sea during the deployment. ^[4] US officials and reports have criticized the deployment for harsh living conditions, including food shortages, infrastructure failures, and mental health deterioration among the crew. ^[5] Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that reports about poor conditions aboard the ship were 'completely misrepresented.' ^[6] Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches estimated that the sailors could spend $2.5 million to $3.75 million during the five-day stop if all 5,000 come ashore and spend $100 to $150 a day. ^[7] Rear Admiral Robert Loughran, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3, said in a statement that the port call gives sailors and Marines a well-deserved chance to rest and recharge and underscores the strong US-Thailand alliance. ^[8]