USS Abraham Lincoln departs Thailand after port visit
Nearly 5,000 sailors and Marines explored Thailand during the port visit, with local businesses helping organise tours and activities.
USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying strike group units departed Thailand as scheduled on Sunday (September 6, 2026), following a port visit to Si Racha and Pattaya, the US Embassy in Thailand said.
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, designated CVN 72, serves as the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 3 and departed with its embarked personnel.
Nearly 5,000 sailors and Marines from across the strike group took part in activities and explored Thailand’s sights during the visit. The embassy said their experiences helped deepen their understanding of Thai people and strengthen personal ties.
Thai hospitality and closer personal ties
The US Navy’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programme worked with Thai businesses to arrange excursions and events, helping personnel make the most of their time ashore.
Capt Dan Keeler, the carrier’s commanding officer, thanked the Thai people for their warm welcome. He described the Pattaya stop as a memorable experience for the strike group, giving personnel an opportunity to rest, experience Thai culture and history, and strengthen personal relationships with their Thai counterparts.
“Thailand’s rich culture and history, together with its warm hospitality, were clearly evident throughout this port visit,” Keeler said.
He expressed appreciation to Thailand for hosting the personnel and said he looked forward to continuing the group’s mission alongside Thailand and other regional allies and partners.
Indo-Pacific commitment and continuing patrols
The embassy said the visit and the strike group’s continuing operations in the US Seventh Fleet area demonstrated the importance Washington placed on regional allies and partners. They also reflected its longstanding regional relationships and long-term commitment to the Indo-Pacific.
Following its departure from Thailand, the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is continuing routine operations in the Seventh Fleet’s area of responsibility.
The embassy said units assigned to the fleet maintain continuous patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and support regional stability and peace through military strength.
