USS Lincoln Makes Brief Thailand Stop as Return Journey Begins

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln will briefly visit Thailand on its way back to San Diego after more than 250 days at sea supporting operations against Iran, in a routine stop for rest and logistics with no planned exercises. The deployment has drawn scrutiny over living conditions and morale aboard the ship, including reports of shortages and mental health concerns among about 5,000 sailors, and at least one sailor facing disciplinary action amid controversy over protests about paternity leave and welfare. The Navy says it remains committed to sailors’ health and provides mental health resources, while the Lincoln’s Middle East mission has already seen the carrier relieved by the USS George Washington and redirected home.