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The U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is docked at Laem Chabang port near Pattaya, Thailand, on the 2nd local time. / AFP, Yonhap

The U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which had been embroiled in controversy over an extended deployment, docked at Laem Chabang port near Pattaya, Thailand, on the 2nd local time. CNN reported that day that this marks the vessel's first port call after completing operational missions in Middle Eastern waters that lasted over eight months, taking place amid concerns regarding crew morale and welfare.

Stained with rust across various parts of its hull from the long and arduous voyage, the Lincoln anchored at the port near Pattaya.

Having departed San Diego in November of last year, the Lincoln is scheduled to return to Southern California late this year, setting a record for the longest deployment in U.S. Navy history. Dan Keeler, commanding officer of the Lincoln, stated, "We are very excited to make Thailand our first port visit on this historic deployment."

However, due to the prolonged deployment, various issues were reported, including supply shortages, contaminated water, plumbing failures, and deteriorating mental health. Reports also emerged that some crew members attempted suicide.

Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut sent a letter last month to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the acting secretary of the Navy, pointing out that "there are grave concerns regarding the increased deployment length and substandard living conditions."

He added, "Reports have emerged of shortages of basic supplies, contaminated water, plumbing failures, deteriorating mental health, and flight deck safety hazards, alongside postal system breakdowns that resulted in care packages sent to crew members being lost for months."

In response, Secretary Hegseth claimed that the situation aboard the Lincoln had been "completely distorted," though he did not specify what parts were misrepresented.

When questioned about the extended deployment, U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed the concerns, remarking, "The deployment hasn't been that long."

Nevertheless, as onboard conditions and the extended deployment sparked controversy, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, stationed in Japan, would be dispatched to the Middle East to relieve the Lincoln.

Currently, the USS George Washington is continuing missions in Middle Eastern waters alongside the USS George H.W. Bush.

Along with the Lincoln, the guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. and the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls joined this port call in Thailand.

Pattaya is an area where the sex trade flourished after serving as a rest and recuperation destination for U.S. troops during the Vietnam War. This visit likewise largely aims at crew rest and resupply. Even today, the area teems with massage parlors, bars, and clubs.

Ahead of the Lincoln's arrival, Thai authorities stepped up crackdowns on illegal sex work, while U.S. military authorities barred service members from visiting cannabis shops and participating in water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing.

Poramase Ngampiches, mayor of Pattaya, stated, "We hope the Lincoln's port call will benefit the local economy," adding, "We welcome more visits by U.S. forces for training and leave in the future."

                                                                                                           Park Jin-sook