The Unwelcome Guests of Pattaya: A Cautionary Tale for Military Deployments The USS Abraham Lincoln has docked in Thailand's resort city of Pattaya after more than 250 days at sea, bringing a mix of relief and controversy to the region.
The arrival of the 5,000 strong crew raises questions about the impact of extended military deployments on personnel and local communities.
Reports of deteriorating mental health among the crew, as well as shortages of essential supplies, are not surprising given the history of US military operations in Southeast Asia.