The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is scheduled to make a temporary stop in Thailand next week as it returns to the United States, Thai navy officials announced on August 27, 2026. This visit follows more than 250 consecutive days at sea supporting US operations against Iran.

The carrier recently left the Middle East after being relieved by the USS George Washington and is now en route to its home port in San Diego. A Thai navy spokesperson described the stop as "a routine port visit intended to allow personnel to rest and recuperate ... as well as to receive logistical support."

Earlier in the week, the Thai navy stated that three ships from the US navy carrier strike group would make a brief port call in eastern Thailand for crew rest. No military exercises are planned during the visit.

Reports from the Navy Times indicated several sailors attempted to jump overboard during the deployment. On August 26, the wife of a sailor who jumped overboard told MS Now that her husband, who has since returned to the US, is facing disciplinary action. Charging documents reportedly accuse him of violating Article 83 for "malingering," defined as faking illness or self-injury to avoid duty, and Article 86 for "absence without leave," which involves unauthorized absence from duty.

The Thai navy's statements and reports from Reuters, Navy Times, and MS Now highlight the challenges faced by the crew during the extended deployment.

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