After 286 days at sea, USS Abraham Lincoln arrives in Thailand; authorities raid sex workers

US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrives in Thailand The US Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in Thailand on Wednesday after 286 days at sea. The authorities in nearby Pattaya stepped up patrols and raided suspected prostitution venues amid arrival of thousands of American military personnel.Police detained around 40 to 50 people during raids over the weekend for suspected involvement in prostitution, news agency Reuters reported citing officials. Additional patrols have been deployed around Pattaya’s main beachfront and nightlife district during the carrier’s five-day port visit.The nuclear-powered Lincoln, carrying around 5,000 sailors and Marines, had been deployed since November 2025 and took part in the US naval blockade and combat operations during the war with Iran. Its deployment has lasted far longer than the Navy’s usual six- to nine-month cycle.Thai officials said the port visit is for rest, recuperation and logistics and is not connected to the Middle East conflict.Rear Admiral Robert E Loughran, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3, said, "What this strike group ​has accomplished is truly historic. I could not be prouder of the exceptional profe...