USS Abraham Lincoln to dock in Thailand next week, Thai official says

The USS Abraham Lincoln is scheduled to dock in Thailand next week after a prolonged Middle East deployment, a Thai official said Tuesday. The aircraft carrier left the Middle East on Saturday and has not made a port call in more than 200 days, setting a record for consecutive days at sea, according to Democratic lawmakers. The ship, with about 5,000 sailors and Marines, will stop in Thailand for “rest and recreation” and logistical support, Thailand’s Navy said, adding that no exercises are planned. The Thai Navy did not give specific vessel names or a visit date due to security concerns. The carrier’s return follows reports from Navy Times and Stars and Stripes citing suicide attempts and declining morale.