The carrier’s first full port stop of the deployment comes after 286 days at sea and nearly seven months of combat operations, with the ship visibly showing the effects of its prolonged time in the harsh marine environment.
USS Abraham Lincoln arrived at Laem Chabang, Thailand, early on Sept. 2, 2026, for what the U.S. Navy described as the carrier’s first full port stop since the start of its deployment in November 2025. Elements of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG), including the embarked Carrier Strike Group 3 staff, Carrier Air Wing 9, Destroyer Squadron 21 and the nine squadrons of CVW-9, also arrived in Thailand as part of the scheduled visit.
The port call of the U.S. supercarrier after its prolonged deployment was streamed live by Reuters:
Subsequent close up images showed even more clearly the Lincoln has clear signs of its prolonged deployment, with streaks of so-called “running rust” and heavy algae buildup visible along much of the hull.
USS Abraham Lincoln (and her aircraft) looking worse for wear as she pulls into Sattahip/Pattaya in Thailand pic.twitter.com/nyWvZy8prk
— Mike Yeo 杨启铭 (@TheBaseLeg) September 2, 2026
While the carrier looks weathered, official sources stated the hull appearance is normal for a long deployment.
Saltwater is extremely aggressive toward steel, and the marine environment gives corrosion plenty of help. Constant salt spray, high humidity, strong sunlight, heat, flight-deck activity and long periods at sea all take their toll, particularly when opportunities for more extensive preservation work are limited.
However, it’s also worth remembering that a heavily streaked hull can look much worse cosmetically than the actual condition of the steel underneath.
🇹🇭🇺🇸 The U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has arrived at Laem Chabang Port, Thailand. pic.twitter.com/3RIRP9joR4
— Нем🥖 (@wuthi11_) September 2, 2026
According to the official release, the deployment has included 286 days at sea and comes after nearly seven months of operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. During the same period, the strike group and other U.S. Navy and Marine Corps assets conducted combat operations in support of Operation Epic Fury and supported the enforcement of “the largest naval blockade in decades.”
USS Lincoln departed Naval Base San Diego in November 2025. Although the carrier made brief stops during the deployment, including a short visit to Guam in December, none of these where full “port calls” or “stops”. Therefore, the Thailand visit represents the first regular port call of the deployment and a long-awaited opportunity for the crew to disembark for rest and recharge after months of high-tempo operations.
The U.S. Navy said elements of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG), including Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), the embarked staffs of CSG-3, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, and the nine squadrons of CVW-9 arrived in Laem Chabang, Thailand, while Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) docked in nearby Sriracha, for scheduled port visits, Sept. 2, 2026.
Escort Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62) also arrived in Map Ta Phut, Thailand for their own scheduled port visit.
“Our arrival in Laem Chabang provides a well-deserved opportunity for our Sailors and Marines to rest and recharge. It also underscores the strong and enduring partnership and alliance between the United States and Thailand,” said Rear Adm. Robert E. Loughran, commander, Carrier Strike Group 3 in a public statement. “What this strike group has accomplished is truly historic. I could not be prouder of the exceptional professionalism and expertise demonstrated by every member of this team during our operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.”
“Abraham Lincoln’s visit to Laem Chabang is a clear demonstration of our enduring commitment to our allies and partners in Thailand, and we are all very excited to make Thailand the first port visit on our historic deployment,” said Capt. Dan Keeler, Abraham Lincoln’s commanding officer. “This port visit will help us gain a deeper understanding of one another, demonstrate our mutual commitment to the security of the region, and allow our crew to enjoy this beautiful and historic country.”
