Overview
- The carrier arrived at Laem Chabang on Wednesday for a five‑day rest‑and‑recuperation stop that will ferry roughly 4,000–5,000 sailors and Marines into Pattaya on staggered liberty.
- The Lincoln spent an unusually long deployment in the Middle East after leaving San Diego in November, a stretch of more than 200 days that several outlets and lawmakers say set a modern‑day record for consecutive days at sea.
- Reports from families, lawmakers, and news outlets described degraded habitability aboard the ship, including food and plumbing problems, water concerns, lost mail and at least one apparent suicide attempt, prompting added counseling and calls for Pentagon briefings.
- The Pentagon sent the Japan‑based USS George Washington to replace the Lincoln in the Middle East, a move that preserved a two‑carrier presence but highlighted strain on Navy logistics and forward posture.
- Thai authorities increased patrols, carried out raids that detained about 40–50 people on suspected prostitution charges, and set restrictions on where sailors may go and what activities they may do while local businesses expect a short‑term tourism boost.