The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has docked near the beach resort of Pattaya, Thailand, after a record 250 days at sea without a port stop. The nearly 5,000 crew members are finally getting a much-needed rest after an extended deployment.
Pattaya, known for its raucous nightlife and sex tourism, holds strong historical echoes for the US. During the Vietnam War, hundreds of thousands of US troops came here for R&R, transforming a sleepy fishing village into one of the world's most famous party towns. Today, the neon-lit alleys are quieter than usual, with bars on Walking Street still trying to lure customers with videos of pole-dancing women, but few takers.
The Iran War has hit local businesses hard, affecting tourism and consumer spending. The prospect of thousands of American sailors with nine months of unspent salary offers a rare opportunity for Pattaya's struggling businesses. Anon Saiteer, a gem shop owner near Walking Street, said, "This visit could be our best hope. We have nothing to lose – we just hope they will spend some money here."
The carrier left San Diego last November for a six-month assignment in the Pacific and South China Sea, but was diverted to the Gulf after the US and Israel began military operations against Iran in late February. Recently, some members of Congress raised concerns about food shortages, broken toilets, and mental stress among the crew. The US Navy acknowledged tough working conditions but said the crew was well-supported, declining to comment on the Pattaya visit citing operational security.
Thai authorities have imposed restrictions on US personnel, banning them from Soi 6, known for its go-go bars, as well as cannabis shops and water sports like paragliding and jet-skis. Mayor Poramase Ngampiches said, "It is their decision. The US military have done their homework." The US Navy has organized shuttle buses from the port to Pattaya running from 5am to 2am daily, and two hotels have been designated for crew members wishing to stay overnight.
Hundreds of police officers have been deployed to monitor entertainment zones, and businesses warned not to overcharge American guests. Mayor Poramase acknowledged Pattaya's reputation, saying, "We have to be frank, the city has a reputation for bar girls. We understand the stereotypes. We can't stop that. What we can do is to show that Pattaya has changed, that we now have other things, such as sports, seminars, wellness, and family-friendly activities." The USS Abraham Lincoln is set to begin its journey home across the Pacific on September 6, with hopes that the crew will be refreshed and rested.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk