Global
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier departed Thai waters on Sunday, concluding a five-day port visit that marked a brief stop within a long-term naval deployment including operations in the Middle East. Accompanied by other U.S. Navy ships, the carrier had arrived in Thailand early on Wednesday. Thailand is notably the United States' only treaty partner on the mainland of Southeast Asia. Photos of the carrier taken in Thailand sparked widespread controversy, showing the vessel appearing dilapidated and rusty. The nuclear-powered USS Lincoln, with its nearly 5,000 personnel, has participated in the U.S. naval blockade and combat operations in the Iran War. Democratic lawmakers stated it set a modern record for consecutive days at sea. To conclude the visit, Captain Dan Keller, commander of the USS Abraham Lincoln, expressed gratitude to "the people of Thailand for their outstanding hospitality." Naval deployments usually last six to nine months but may be extended during periods of conflict.
