Laem chabang: The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier docked at the port of Laem Chabang in eastern Thailand on Wednesday after a lengthy deployment in the Middle East. The massive nuclear-powered vessel, carrying some 5,000 American service members, has spent 286 days at sea and was involved in the US naval blockade of Iranian ports as well as combat operations in the Middle East war. According to Deutsche Welle, the length of the deployment had raised concerns amid reports about deteriorating mental health among the crew and shortages of supplies on board. During the five days in port, many service members are expected to visit the nearby beach resort town of Pattaya. While the stop is likely to boost local businesses, it has also drawn some scrutiny given Pattaya's reputation as a hub for sex tourism. US service members have reportedly been barred from visiting the most notorious of the city's streets, as well as cannabis shops, and will be unable to engage in water sports such as jet-skiing. "Our arriv al 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.
