The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group has arrived in Thailand for scheduled port visits, marking the first full port stop for the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln since the start of its deployment in November 2025.
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), along with embarked staffs from Carrier Strike Group 3, Carrier Air Wing 9 and Destroyer Squadron 21, and the nine squadrons of CVW-9, arrived at Laem Chabang on September 2.
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) docked in nearby Sriracha, while Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62) arrived at Map Ta Phut for separate scheduled port visits.
The visit follows 286 days at sea since the beginning of Abraham Lincoln's deployment. During that period, the carrier strike group spent nearly seven months operating in the US Central Command area of responsibility.
According to the US Navy, the strike group and other US Navy and Marine Corps forces conducted combat operations in support of Operation Epic Fury and participated in enforcement of what the Navy described as the largest naval blockade in decades.
Rear Adm. Robert E. Loughran, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3, said the port visit would provide sailors and Marines with an opportunity to rest while reinforcing the US-Thailand alliance.
“Abraham Lincoln’s visit to Laem Chabang is a clear demonstration of our enduring commitment to our allies and partners in Thailand, and we are all very excited to make Thailand the first port visit on our historic deployment,” said Capt. Dan Keeler, Abraham Lincoln’s commanding officer.
“This port visit will help us gain a deeper understanding of one another, demonstrate our mutual commitment to the security of the region, and allow our crew to enjoy this beautiful and historic country.”
Thailand has maintained diplomatic relations with the United States since the 1833 Treaty of Amity and Commerce and is the United States' only treaty ally in mainland Southeast Asia. The two countries conduct bilateral and multinational military activities, including the annual Cobra Gold exercise.
The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is now conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. The Navy said the strike group will continue operating alongside allies and partners in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.