US sailors arrive in Pattaya after 250 days at sea
Nearly 5,000 US crew members dock in Pattaya, Thailand, for a much-needed break after a record 250 days at sea amidst regional conflicts.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln docked near Pattaya after a record 250 days at sea without port stops.
- Nearly 5,000 crew members with nine months of unspent salary bring a rare financial boost to struggling local businesses.
- Thai authorities banned US servicemen from entering Soi 6, cannabis shops, and participating in hazardous water sports.
- The carrier is scheduled to begin its journey home across the Pacific on September 6.
The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has docked near the beach resort of Pattaya in Thailand, providing its nearly 5,000 crew members with a vital break after spending a record-breaking 250 days at sea without a port stop.
This visit carries strong historical echoes for the US, as weary sailors step into bars and restaurants that trace the footsteps of hundreds of thousands of American troops who sought rest and relaxation (R&R) here during the Vietnam War, transforming the location from a sleepy fishing village into a famous party town.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Today, Pattaya's neon-lit alleyways are much quieter than usual. The ongoing war in Iran has severely impacted tourism and consumer spending, making the arrival of thousands of American sailors with nine months of accumulated salary a rare and desperately needed opportunity for local merchants.
The carrier originally departed San Diego last November for a six-month deployment in the Pacific and South China Sea, but was diverted to the Gulf after US and Israel military operations against Iran began in late February. Although lawmakers raised concerns regarding food shortages and crew stress, the US Navy maintained that personnel were sufficiently supported while declining to comment on the Pattaya port call due to operational security.
Despite Thailand's close economic ties with China, the country remains a key treaty ally of the United States, making port visits by the US Navy a routine occurrence. However, deploying thousands of personnel straight from an active combat zone into a prominent leisure destination like Pattaya requires meticulous coordination between local and international officials to manage public safety and historical stereotypes.
To prevent salacious headlines, both Thai and US officials established strict boundary rules. Servicemen are barred from visiting Soi 6, local cannabis shops, and participating in high-risk sea sports like jet-skiing and paragliding. Hundreds of Thai police officers have been deployed to entertainment zones, with strict warnings issued to local businesses against overcharging.
The visits of US military men 50-60 years ago introduced Pattaya to the world and turned it into a tourist attraction.
Mayor Poramase Ngampiches
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Both nations hope that by the time the USS Abraham Lincoln embarks on its long journey home across the Pacific on September 6, its crew will return refreshed and fully rested.
Source: BBC World
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