USS Abraham Lincoln Crew Enjoys Respite After Prolonged Deployment

Sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln have arrived in Thailand, trading military operations for relaxation on beaches and bars after a demanding nine-month deployment at sea. Parents of the crew express relief knowing their loved ones are now on solid ground after such an exhaustive mission.

Christi McGarey, whose son Marshall Ludwig serves on the ship, conveyed her relief to CBS News, saying, “I’m certain that his feet have touched the ground, and I’m relieved, so relieved.” The vessel has been at sea for an unprecedented number of consecutive days since being commissioned, underscoring the significance of this port call.

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier carried approximately 5,000 sailors, Marines, and crew. They have been actively involved in operations related to the conflict with Iran for the past six months. Reports indicated that the ship experienced deteriorating conditions due to limited supplies from U.S. bases struck by Iranian offensives. The mental health of crew members was reportedly under strain.

Upon their arrival in Laem Chabang, CBS News spoke to several sailors. This crew chose not to discuss conditions aboard but shared enthusiasm about their stay in Thailand.

“They should not be deployed this long. These are old ships. It’s not like they’re even state-of-the-art,” expressed Jefferson Kelley, whose son Jackson joined the Lincoln for his first deployment.

A pedestrian captured the moment when U.S. service personnel were greeted by a LED display in Pattaya on September 2, 2026, marking the aircraft carrier’s arrival. As families expressed concerns over the extended deployment, Jefferson Kelley highlighted, “The ships require constant maintenance, and it’s exhaustive work.” There was an incident involving a sailor going overboard in August, currently under Navy investigation. The individual was rescued and received follow-up care.

Christi McGarey revealed that her son, on his second tour, perceived the concerns as exaggerated. “I don’t know if he was trying to make mom feel better,” she mentioned, adding that her son knew of one individual who jumped overboard, emphasizing that individual experiences vary across different departments on the carrier.

The USS Abraham Lincoln will soon return to its San Diego home port after spending several days in Thailand. This carrier has been replaced by the USS George Washington in the Middle East mission. McGarey, who had minimal communication with her son over the past months, shared her sentiment, “They just set off on regular deployment, no idea that a war would break out where they were.” Reflecting on her son’s lighter heart and enjoyment in Thailand offers solace after tension-filled months.