The USS Abraham Lincoln and U.S. Navy personnel have raised anchor from Laem Chabang after completing a rest and recuperation mission in Pattaya and Chonburi Province.
On 6 Sep 2026 GMT+7, reporters observed that around 11:00 a.m., the aircraft carrier and accompanying warships began departing Laem Chabang port, heading out to sea before continuing their journey back to the United States. Crew members gradually returned aboard as scheduled after spending four days resting in Thailand.
At the port area, numerous Thai officials from various agencies, including Weerachat Puttharaksa, Deputy Director of Laem Chabang Port, Poramet Ngampichet, Mayor of Pattaya City, Anusak Piriyaomorn, Bang Lamung District Chief, and Phatchanan Phongphat, Sriracha District Chief, along with local administration, police, and related agencies, provided facilitation and strict security to support the departing U.S. personnel.
The atmosphere during the ship's departure was warm. Officials and people near the port waved farewell, while some U.S. personnel waved back, creating a memorable scene of parting between Thailand and the United States as the large ship slowly moved away from the dock.
This visit marked the USS Abraham Lincoln’s first return to Thailand in over 14 years. The ship arrived at Laem Chabang on 2 Sep 2026 GMT+7 with approximately 5,000 personnel after completing a continuous 286-day maritime mission. The main purpose of the stopover was to allow the crew to rest, recuperate, and receive resupply.
In addition to the USS Abraham Lincoln, other fleet ships visiting Thailand included USS Frank E. Petersen Jr., which docked at Sriracha, and USS Robert Smalls, which berthed at Map Ta Phut. These visits were part of the overall rest and recuperation mission for the personnel.
Throughout the visit, Pattaya City and related agencies enhanced security measures and provided support for the U.S. personnel, while Laem Chabang Port strictly controlled the area to ensure the safety of the ships and crews.
Today’s departure marked the conclusion of the USS Abraham Lincoln and U.S. personnel’s visit to Thailand, amid scenes of Thai officials waving them off—an enduring symbol of the longstanding friendship and strong relations between Thailand and the United States.