USS Abraham Lincoln Crew Makes Muted Thailand Port Call After 260-Plus Days at Sea
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 6
USS Abraham Lincoln Crew Makes Muted Thailand Port Call After 260-Plus Days at Sea
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 6
Summary
Pattaya saw a subdued shore leave from the USS Abraham Lincoln crew, with many sailors saying they wanted to rest, shop and get home rather than spend heavily after more than 260 continuous days at sea.
The anticlimax followed a record modern U.S. carrier deployment tied largely to the Iran war, amid reports of poor food, low morale and other harsh onboard conditions that Pentagon leaders have disputed.
5,000 sailors and Marines were expected to boost Pattaya's low-season economy, but bars, massage workers and sex-industry businesses said the influx fell short even with U.S. flags, police monitoring and 20% discounts.
Thailand's broader tourism slowdown has deepened the disappointment, with the Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz closure pushing up oil prices as the carrier is now expected back in California by mid-September.