BANGKOK, 6 September, 2026(Kamran Raja): The United States aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln departed Thailand on Sunday after a five-day port visit, bringing to an end a brief respite during an extended deployment that included military operations in the Middle East, the U.S. Navy said. “We would like to thank the people of Thailand for their incredible hospitality,” U.S. Navy Captain Dan Keeler, commanding officer of the Abraham Lincoln, said in a statement. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, which carries around 5,000 personnel, arrived in Thailand early Wednesday along with other U.S. naval vessels. The visit took place in Pattaya, a resort city located around 150 kilometres southeast of Bangkok. Naval deployments generally last between six and nine months, but they can be extended during periods of conflict or heightened military operations. The Abraham Lincoln was involved in U.S. naval blockade and combat operations during the conflict with Iran. Democratic lawmakers have also said the carrier set a modern-era record for consecutive days at sea during its extended deployment. Thailand is the United States’ only treaty ally in mainland Southeast Asia. During the port visit, large numbers of sailors and Marines, many dressed in civilian clothes, were seen arriving at hotels in Pattaya after the ships docked. The visit provided personnel with an opportunity to rest and engage with the local community before the carrier resumed its deployment. The Abraham Lincoln’s departure marks the continuation of its extended operational mission as U.S. naval forces maintain deployments in strategically important regions.