The USS Abraham Lincoln is expected to make a port call in Thailand in early September after its crew spent around 250 days at sea, according to messages sent by sailors to family members and shared with USA Today.
The US aircraft carrier is now sailing home following an extended, record-setting deployment in the Middle East during the US war in Iran. The Navy has not publicly confirmed the planned Thai stop, citing operational security.
Messages point to planned Thailand visit
In a text exchange dated August 18, a female sailor aboard the Lincoln asked a relative to send her suggestions for hotels in Thailand.
In another recent exchange, a relative told a crew member that she was excited for him, saying he had always talked about visiting Thailand.
The messages indicate that sailors expect to be allowed ashore after months at sea, although plans can change and the Navy does not discuss future ship movements.
Navy spokespeople told USA TODAY that they do not comment on forthcoming operations or vessel locations because of operational security concerns.
Carrier heading home after Middle East deployment
The Lincoln began its journey home after US Central Command, which oversees US military action in the Middle East, announced that the USS George Washington had arrived in the Arabian Sea.
The deployment has drawn attention in the United States after Democratic members of Congress and relatives of Lincoln crew members raised concerns over conditions aboard the ship.
They cited worries about sailors' mental health and reports that a sailor had jumped overboard. Family members also said crew had described cold showers, blocked toilets and insufficient supplies.
A Thai port call, if it proceeds, would offer crew members a break during their return voyage. Thailand has long been a regular destination for foreign naval visits, although the Lincoln's precise destination has not been disclosed.
Picture courtesy of USA Today
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25 August 2026
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