Buses transporting crew members of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier arrived in the coastal city of Pattaya, Thailand on Thursday for a port visit following an extensive deployment to the Middle East. The Lincoln played a role in the U.S. operations against Iran and set a new record for an uninterrupted period at sea, exceeding 260 days. Concerns were raised about the crew’s mental health and shortages of essential food supplies onboard.

Despite these challenges, the U.S. Navy downplayed any issues, with President Donald Trump remarking that the deployment was deemed “not nearly long enough.” The ship had been deployed for a total of 286 days, with 264 consecutive days at sea prior to reaching Chonburi province in Thailand.

The USS Abraham Lincoln is scheduled to depart Thailand over the weekend and resume its journey back to the United States. Crew members expressed their excitement upon arrival in Thailand, with vendors and travel agents awaiting them outside the designated hotel for pickups and drop-offs.

Additionally, two other ships from the Lincoln’s strike group are currently stationed in different ports in Thailand. Local vendors, like A-ngoon Sombat, traveled long distances to offer products and services to the visiting crew members. The atmosphere outside the port became a makeshift attraction as people gathered to catch a glimpse of the massive aircraft carrier.

American expatriate Keith Eldridge, impressed by the technological marvel of the Lincoln, traveled to the viewing spot to witness the ship firsthand. The commanding officer of the Lincoln, Capt. Dan Keeler, hinted at potential supply stops before the ship heads back home, although the exact return date remains undisclosed.