After nearly 10 months at sea and a Middle East deployment that raised alarms back home about shipboard conditions, about 5,000 US sailors and marines arrived in Thailand and made their way toward the resort city of Pattaya.
The crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln docked just north of Pattaya, near Bangkok, marking their first port call in 286 days at sea and beginning five days of rest and recreation.
Pattaya had been bracing for the influx. The seaside city is famed for its beaches and nightlife and is also widely known as a centre for sex tourism.
On one street long regarded as a hotspot for that industry, women walked by in revealing sailor-themed outfits, even as the city’s mayor urged attention to Pattaya’s broader appeal, citing sports and wellness activities alongside beaches and shopping malls.
“We’re all very excited, it should get quite lively,” said Anthony “AJ” Jones, a 60-year-old musician from New Zealand who performs nightly at M’s Mojito beach bar in Pattaya.
A banner outside the establishment reads: “Welcome all US military personnel. Thank you for your service.”
“It’s been the talk of the town for the past few days… it will be a boon for businesses,” Mr Jones said, adding that he intended to play American classics for the visiting sailors.
Officials, alert to the risk of problems with so many young service members on shore leave, have increased security across the city.
Pattaya’s mayor, Poramase Ngampiches, said the sailors are barred from water sports such as jet-skiing and also prohibited from taking advantage of Thailand’s permissive cannabis laws.
US army service personnel arrive to in Pattaya, Thailand
In recent days, authorities have stepped up enforcement against sex workers in Pattaya, though Mr Ngampiches rejected reports that arrests were carried out in advance of the Lincoln crew’s arrival.
Pressed on Pattaya’s reputation, he told reporters: “We have to be honest, that kind of thing still happens in Pattaya.”
‘Food, sleep, water’
At a welcoming event at a central hotel, some US service members—now in civilian shorts and t-shirts—received traditional garlands.
When asked what they wanted most after months at sea, they kept it simple for assembled journalists: “Food, sleep, water.”
“We’re very, very happy to be here,” commanding officer Captain Dan Keeler told reporters.
“It is a well-deserved break for all of the crew, and we really look forward to our time here to get a little rest and relaxation.”
The massive nuclear-powered aircraft carrier pulled into the port of Laem Chabang, its flight deck lined with dozens of warplanes.
The crew departed California in November for operations in the South China Sea, then shifted course to the Middle East before US-Israeli attacks on Iran began in February.
In the United States, reports describing worsening living conditions and strained mental health aboard the ship became a political flashpoint, fuelling criticism tied to the wider conflict.
Democratic politicians have demanded an investigation after accounts of food shortages, broken plumbing and mental health crises.
US President Donald Trump has brushed aside the concerns. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao last month criticised media coverage for “trying to paint our warriors as victims”, and said a “small number or mental health cases were treated with no loss of life”.
The USS Abraham Lincoln was subsequently replaced in the Middle East by the USS George Washington, which had been based in Japan.
The US sailors will stay in Pattaya until their carrier departs on Sunday
‘Specially for US Navy’
Known for its late-night bustle, Pattaya was largely calm in the hours before the sailors arrived. Masseuses sat outside shops waiting for customers, while a handful of foreign tourists lay in the sun along the beach.
One tailor advertised in a front window with a message aimed directly at the visiting Americans: custom clothing “Specially for US Navy – Ready in 24 hours”.
“We’ll give them a special offer, good quality and a quick service – 24 hours or even 12 hours,” said the owner, Islam.
“All of Pattaya is excited.”
Mr Ngampiches estimated the visit could bring as much as 100 million baht (€2.6 million) into the local economy, a welcome boost during the low season.
He said buses have been arranged to shuttle sailors between the ship and Pattaya until the carrier departs on Sunday.
“Our preparations will focus on safety and ensuring fair pricing, so we don’t take advantage of them,” he said.
