- USS Abraham Lincoln arrived at Laem Chabang Port in Thailand on Wednesday for a five-day rest and relaxation visit following a record 286 consecutive days at sea near the Strait of Hormuz.
- After its arrival, onlookers quickly noticed visible signs of deterioration on the warship, including rusted metal and peeling paint, following its long deployment.
- When asked about the carrier’s appearance, Capt. Dan Keeler, the Lincoln’s commanding officer, said that “it is normal for a long deployment and we’re not going to make further comments.”
- The extended deployment also wore on military members’ physical and mental wellbeing with reports of food shortages and suicide attempts onboard.
- Local officials in Pattaya City expect the visit by thousands of U.S. sailors and Marines to inject roughly $3 million into the local economy, prompting police to increase security and crack down on prostitution.
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