The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln departed Thailand after a scheduled five-day port visit, continuing its journey back to San Diego following one of the ship's longest and most demanding deployments in recent years. The carrier arrived in Thailand on Sept. 2 after operating for months in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Navy Capt. Dan Keeler, the Lincoln's commanding officer, thanked the people of Thailand for their hospitality and said the port visit gave the approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard the carrier and its strike group an opportunity to rest and recharge.

“We are grateful to our Thai allies for hosting us, and we look forward to continuing our mission here in 7th Fleet, alongside Thailand and our other regional allies and partners,” Keeler said.

During the visit, the Navy's Morale, Welfare and Recreation program worked with local Thai businesses to organize tours and events for sailors and Marines. Navy officials described the stop as an opportunity for the crew to recover following an extended period of operations at sea.

The Lincoln is now scheduled to return to San Diego, which it left on Nov. 21, 2025. The carrier had been deployed for hundreds of days before arriving in Thailand and had spent an extended period continuously at sea during its Middle East operations.

The carrier's deployment included operations in support of U.S. military activities against Iran from the Arabian Sea, including maritime operations involving Iranian ports. The Lincoln subsequently left the Middle East after nearly seven months of operations in the region, including an extended period in a combat zone.

Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao praised the crew in an Aug. 14 statement, saying the Lincoln had been extended because the mission required it. Cao highlighted the ship's performance and said the sailors and Marines had endured the demands of the deployment without breaking under the pressure.

The Lincoln was relieved in the region by the USS George Washington as part of a scheduled carrier rotation. The George Washington is forward-deployed with the U.S. 7th Fleet, whose area of responsibility covers a vast portion of the Indo-Pacific.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group's arrival in Thailand also underscored the longstanding U.S.-Thai military relationship. Navy officials described Thailand as an important regional partner and emphasized the importance of maintaining U.S. presence and cooperation throughout the Indo-Pacific.

With the Thailand visit complete, the Lincoln and its crew are continuing their voyage home to San Diego after an extended deployment marked by sustained operations, combat missions, and lengthy periods at sea.