Overview
- The carrier arrived at Laem Chabang with roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines for staggered shore leave on Wednesday so personnel can rest after months at sea.
- Pattaya and Chonburi authorities increased patrols, ran weekend raids that detained about 40–50 people on suspicion of prostitution and banned water sports and cannabis use for the visit.
- The Lincoln completed a modern‑era record of more than 250 consecutive days at sea during Middle East operations, and multiple outlets reported supply shortfalls, plumbing and food complaints and at least one possible suicide attempt aboard.
- Local leaders expect a short‑term tourism lift, estimating each service member could spend about 1,000–3,000 baht per day, while officials say staggered leave and extra buses aim to spread visitors and reduce crowding.
- The stop spotlights broader U.S. Navy strain after the Bahrain support hub was damaged and the USS George Washington was sent to relieve Lincoln, prompting congressional inquiries and Navy promises of reviews.