Pattaya, Thailand – Over 5,000 U.S. Navy personnel from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln have arrived in Pattaya for a five-day shore leave, a visit expected to inject approximately 100 million Thai baht into the local economy. The sailors began arriving on September 2nd and are scheduled to remain in the area until September 6th.
USS Abraham Lincoln Arrives in Thailand
The USS Abraham Lincoln, along with its associated Carrier Strike Group 3, Carrier Air Wing 9, Destroyer Squadron 21, and nine air wing squadrons, arrived at Laem Chabang Port. Concurrently, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. docked in Sri Racha the same morning. This marks a significant port call for the crew, who have spent an extended period at sea.
Upon arrival, groups of sailors were transported to the Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya, which has been designated as the primary hub for coordination and logistics during their stay. They were greeted by Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, Police Colonel Anek Sathongyu (Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station), Bang Lamung district officials, and local business representatives. The welcome included traditional Thai flower garlands, textiles, and souvenirs.
A Long-Awaited Break
Mayor Poramet Ngampichet highlighted the long-standing relationship between Pattaya and the U.S. Navy, noting that the city has consistently been a favored recreation spot for sailors. He emphasized the particular importance of this visit, given the crew’s prolonged deployment. “This visit is particularly significant because the crew has spent a prolonged period at sea during operational deployments,” he stated.
Captain Dan Keeler, commanding officer of the USS Abraham Lincoln, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception, conveying the crew’s enthusiasm for their time in Pattaya. As a token of appreciation, Captain Keeler presented Mayor Ngampichet with a commemorative wooden plaque featuring a model of the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Extended Deployment and Economic Impact
The USS Abraham Lincoln departed San Diego on November 21st of the previous year for what was initially planned as a six-month deployment to the Middle East. However, the deployment extended to over nine months, with a single previous port call in Guam in mid-December. Following their stay in Pattaya, the carrier is set to return to San Diego. Reports suggest this extended period at sea may be a record, and concerns have been raised in the U.S. regarding the potential toll on crew well-being due to the prolonged operational tempo.
Mayor Ngampichet anticipates a substantial economic boost for Pattaya. He estimated that each sailor would spend between US$100 to US$150 (approximately 3,300 to 5,000 baht) daily on accommodation, tourism, spa services, and other activities. This spending is projected to generate at least 100 million baht in revenue for the city. To facilitate this, mobile ATMs have been made available for the visiting personnel.
Security and City Showcase
Pattaya authorities have implemented comprehensive security measures to ensure the safety and smooth running of the visit. Officials are also monitoring local businesses to prevent any instances of price gouging. The mayor sees this visit as an opportunity to showcase Pattaya’s recent development and improvements, including enhanced cleanliness, updated pavements, and signage, reflecting a more modern city image to both local and international media.
Naval Restrictions and Local Access
The U.S. Navy has established specific restrictions for its personnel during the shore leave, primarily for safety and security reasons. Mayor Ngampichet clarified that these guidelines are dictated by the Navy, not the city. Prohibited activities include water sports like jet skiing. Additionally, cannabis shops and pharmacies are off-limits. The restriction on pharmacies stems from concerns about certain medications available in Thailand not being approved by the U.S. or permitted for transport back home.
Sailors have also been advised to avoid Soi 6 and Soi 7, areas known for their beer bars. However, most other popular areas, including the renowned Walking Street, remain accessible to the crew. Police Colonel Anek Sathongyu assured that law enforcement would provide security throughout Pattaya, emphasizing that the focus is on ensuring the sailors can enjoy their vacation safely. “We want people to understand that these personnel are here to enjoy a vacation in Thailand,” he stated. “There is no reason for concern that they have come to cause problems or vent stress from their deployment.”
Official Welcome and Oversight
On the evening of September 2nd, Chon Buri Governor Narit Niramaiwong led a delegation to Pattaya’s Walking Street. Their visit served to welcome arriving personnel and oversee security arrangements. The group also experienced local transport by riding public songthaew trucks, offering visitors a glimpse into daily life and local transit. The initial evening appeared to be the first full day of activities, with expectations of larger crowds later in the night.
This visit underscores the ongoing diplomatic and cultural ties between Thailand and the United States, providing a valuable opportunity for cultural exchange and economic benefit for the host city.
