<p>About 5,000 service members aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln docked in Thailand on Wednesday after sailing at sea for 286 days, marking the aircraft carrier’s longest deployment.</p>
<p>The Lincoln and other ships in its carrier strike group docked in the port of Laem Chabang, while accompanying vessels landed in nearby ports.</p>
<p>The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Thailand released a statement about the carrier’s arrival.</p>
<p>“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,” Capt. Dan Keeler, commanding officer of the USS Abraham Lincoln, said. “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.”</p>
<p>The U.S. Navy vessel has not had a full port stop since November, when it first set sail for its latest deployment. Its voyage overlapped with the ongoing U.S. war against Iran.</p>
<p>The Navy dispatched the USS George Washington to the Middle East to relieve the Lincoln of its record-setting deployment.</p>
<p>In the past month, families of the USS Abraham Lincoln crew raised concerns to lawmakers about the ship’s conditions and their relatives’ mental well-being while on board.</p>
<p>Presented with those concerns last month, President Donald Trump dismissed them and said the aircraft carrier’s deployment was “not nearly long enough.”</p>
<p>Keeler addressed Trump’s comments, telling reporters that the “president speaks for himself” and that a long deployment is typical.</p>
<p>During their stay in Thailand, the sailors are expected to stop by the popular beach town Pattaya before returning to their U.S. naval base in San Diego. Thai officials said the purpose of the port stop is for the service members’ rest and recovery.</p>
<p>Pattaya is known for its nightlife scene and sex work industry. Local police detained between 40 and 50 people suspected of prostitution before the USS Abraham Lincoln’s visit, according to reports. Prostitution is illegal in Thailand, but the country’s sex work industry operates openly in bustling tourism hubs.</p>
<p>While cracking down on illicit sexual activities, Thai officials publicly expressed hope that the Americans’ stay in Pattaya would help boost the resort city’s economy.</p>