USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier docks in Thailand after nine months at sea

The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier steamed into Thailand's Laem Chabang on Wednesday after more than nine months at sea, including a long deployment in the Middle East marred by ​reports of sailors' worsening mental ‌health and deteriorating conditions on board. The 5,000 sailors and Marines on board the ship are headed for the Thai resort of Pattaya, a rest-and-recreation stop for US troops since the Vietnam War. Tugs guided the huge nuclear-powered carrier, dozens of warplanes lined up on its flight deck, towards the port of Laem Chabang on Wednesday morning, AFP reporters saw. "Our arrival in Laem Chabang provides a well-deserved opportunity for our Sailors and Marines to rest and recharge," Rear Admiral Robert Loughran, commander of the US Carrier Strike Group 3, said in a statement. Read moreMiddle East live: Iran says latest US strikes kill 11 people The Lincoln's commanding officer, Captain Dan Keeler, added that its first port visit of the "historic deployment" – after 286 days at sea – would allow "our crew to enjoy this beautiful and historic country". An official in Pattaya said it was due to dock shortly before lunchtime. The Lincoln left California in November 20...