USS Abraham Lincoln docks in Thailand after more than 9 months at sea
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has docked in eastern Thailand after its grueling deployment in the Middle East.
September 2, 2026 / 9:47 AM EDT / CBS/AP
Associated Press journalists watched the Lincoln, which is carrying about 5,000 service members, as it made its way into the Laem Chabang port in Chonburi province shortly after the destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. sailed past the area.
The Lincoln has been supporting the U.S. war against Iran . Its deployment included a record-setting uninterrupted time at sea. Concerns have grown about the Lincoln's lengthy deployment following reports of deteriorating mental health among the crew and shortages of supplies including food and hygiene products.
Crew members were not immediately accessible to media, but the ship itself looked due for at least a new paint job, with large blotches of what appeared to be rust on the hull, especially just above the waterline and at the edge of the flight deck, where fighter aircraft and helicopters were parked.
When asked about the aircraft carrier's appearance, Capt. Dan Keeler, the Lincoln's commanding officer, replied that "it is normal for a long deployment and we're not going to make further comments."