USS Abraham Lincoln docks in Thailand after extended mission

The U.S. aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln docked in eastern Thailand early today after more than 250 days at sea. According to RT, the carrier was seen near Laem Chabang port.

According to the report, the vessel is carrying about 5,000 American personnel. Its docking comes after a prolonged deployment that, the report said, was accompanied by pressure from regional security developments.

The report added that the mission’s extension, after U.S. bases were targeted by Iran, worsened conditions on board and increased mental health problems among the crew. Reports had also emerged of some crew members attempting suicide.

Previously, the USS George Washington, which is usually stationed in Asia, had been moved to the Middle East in place of the Abraham Lincoln. Laem Chabang is considered one of Thailand’s major ports on the country’s eastern coast.