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The USS Abraham Lincoln will briefly stop in Thailand after more than 250 days at sea supporting the US campaign against Iran. The visit offers much-needed recuperation amid reports of crew stress and supply shortages.
Bangkok,UPDATED: Aug 26, 2026 12:24 IST
The US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln will make a brief stop in Thailand after its long deployment in the Middle East, Thai officials said on Wednesday. The visit comes after the carrier spent more than 250 uninterrupted days at sea while supporting the US war against Iran.
The deployment has drawn attention after reports of worsening mental health among crew members and shortages of supplies, including food and hygiene products. Thai officials said the stop in Thailand would be for rest and recovery.
A Thai government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to brief the press, confirmed that the Lincoln would make a short visit to Thailand. A statement from the Royal Thai Navy on Tuesday said three ships from a US Navy carrier strike group were due to make a short stop in eastern Thailand for recuperation, and that no military exercises would take place during the visit.
The Royal Thai Navy did not name the ships or give the port or arrival date, citing security concerns. The US embassy in Bangkok did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while the US Navy declined to comment.
Long carrier deployments place pressure on service members who spend extended periods away from home, and also increase strain on ships and equipment. Although renewed hostilities between the US and Iran have eased in recent weeks, the Navy is continuing to enforce a reimposed blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, and the Trump administration has given no clarity on how it plans to wind down the war. The stop in Thailand follows this extended deployment and is meant to provide a short period of recuperation.
With PTI Inputs
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Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Aug 26, 2026 12:24 IST
