LAEM CHABANG, Thailand: The U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln arrived at Thailand's Laem Chabang port on September 2 after spending 286 days at sea.

The deployment included an extended period in the Middle East, where the carrier took part in combat operations during the war with Iran. Democratic lawmakers said the deployment set a record for the number of consecutive days a Navy carrier had remained at sea.

The Lincoln carries about 5,000 sailors and Marines. It arrived in Thailand with other American naval ships for a five-day stop intended mainly to give service members time to rest, recover and receive logistical support.

Thailand is the United States' only treaty ally on mainland Southeast Asia. The two countries maintain close military ties and regularly conduct joint exercises. Thailand became a U.S. treaty ally in 1954 and was named a non-NATO ally in 2003.

The Lincoln left San Diego in November 2025 for a deployment in the South China Sea. It was later redirected to the Middle East, where it spent nearly seven months supporting U.S. military operations during the conflict with Iran.

The carrier then arrived in Thailand on September 2, 2026, for its first full port visit since the deployment began, after spending 286 consecutive days at sea.

"Our arrival in Laem Chabang provides a well-deserved opportunity for our Sailors and Marines to rest and recharge," said Rear Admiral Robert E. Loughran, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3.

Loughran also said the group's achievements had been historic and praised its personnel for their professionalism and expertise during the deployment.

Thai authorities stressed that the port visit was not related to the Middle East conflict. They said the stop was arranged for rest, recovery and logistics and was consistent with the military relationship between Thailand and the United States.

The Lincoln reached Laem Chabang early on September 2. Its flight deck carried helicopters, aircraft, and F-35 fighter jets. The guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. also arrived and docked at Sri Racha, around 10 kilometers from Laem Chabang.

Both vessels showed signs of their lengthy time at sea, including rust and patches of worn paint around their waterlines.

The arrival of thousands of U.S. personnel is expected to boost businesses in Pattaya, a resort city about 150 kilometers southeast of Bangkok.

Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches said about 40 buses would transport personnel between the port and Pattaya. However, authorities have imposed restrictions on some activities. Personnel are not allowed to take part in activities including water sports, jet skiing, bungee jumping, wrestling and boxing.

Police are also increasing patrols in Pattaya's beachfront and nightlife areas. The move follows weekend raids in which 40 to 50 people were detained over suspected prostitution.

Despite being illegal, Thailand's sex industry remains openly in tourist centers such as Pattaya, Bangkok and Phuket.

Street vendors near Pattaya's Walking Street hoped sailors and Marines would increase sales. Clothes seller Kadsalin Ketpa, 43, said business had been quiet and that she had prepared basketball vests and elephant-patterned trousers for the visitors.

Food seller Saroch, 45, said visits by U.S. personnel were good for businesses and something traders looked forward to.