US carrier Abraham Lincoln departs Thailand after respite visit

The U.S. aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln departed Thailand on Sunday after a five-day port visit, concluding a period of respite from an extended deployment. The nuclear-powered carrier, with approximately 5,000 personnel, had been involved in operations in the Middle East, including a naval blockade and combat operations in the war with Iran. Captain Dan Keeler, the commanding officer, stated, "We would like to thank the people of Thailand for their incredible hospitality." The visit to Thailand, the U.S.'s only treaty partner in mainland Southeast Asia, allowed sailors and Marines to spend leave in the resort city of Pattaya.