BANGKOK (AP) — The U.S. aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln will stop in Thailand after its grueling deployment to the Middle East, Thai officials said Wednesday. The Lincoln was supporting the United States’ war against Iran, and its deployment included an unprecedented uninterrupted time at sea of more than 250 days. Concerns have grown over the Lincoln’s prolonged deployment following reports of deteriorating mental health among the crew and shortages of supplies, including food and hygiene products. A Thai government official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the press, confirmed that the Lincoln will make a brief visit to Thailand to rest and recover. during the visit. It did not identify the ships or specify the port or date of arrival, citing security concerns. The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok did not immediately respond to a request for comment and the U.S. Navy declined to comment. Extended aircraft carrier deployments wear down service members who are away from home for long periods and increase the strain on the ship and its equipment. While renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran have calmed in recent weeks, the Navy is reimposing a blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, and the Trump administration has offered no clarity on how it intends to end the war.
