After Months at War, Brief Solace in a Party Town Far From Home

© Valeria Mongelli for The New York Times


© Valeria Mongelli for The New York Times

Shore leave in Pattaya, known for its red light district, comes after reports of deteriorating living conditions onboard the vessel during record stint
At Pattaya’s Hard Rock Cafe and hotel, the city’s mayor and police officials, along with women in traditional Thai dress, wait to greet the sailors who are arriving in civilian clothes, bags slung over their shoulders, off the buses.
The USS Abraham Lincoln’s crew of 5,000 have not been on shore for nearly nine months, a record-setting uninterrupted time at sea.
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© Photograph: Chalinee Thirasupa/Reuters

© Photograph: Chalinee Thirasupa/Reuters

© Photograph: Chalinee Thirasupa/Reuters


© Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters


© Anthony Wallace/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images


© Dita Alangkara/Associated Press

Thai navy says ‘routine’ visit’ will allow personnel to rest and recuperate amid reports of poor conditions onboard
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is set to make a temporary stop in Thailand next week as it heads back to the United States, Thai navy officials said, after spending more than 250 consecutive days at sea supporting US operations against Iran amid recent reports of poor living conditions and low morale onboard the vessel.
The Lincoln left the Middle East several days ago after being relieved by the USS George Washington, and is now heading home to San Diego. A Thai navy official told Reuters this week that the carrier was expected to make a brief port visit in Thailand next week for the crew to rest and recuperate before continuing their journey home.
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© Photograph: US Navy/Reuters

© Photograph: US Navy/Reuters

© Photograph: US Navy/Reuters