PATTAYA, Thailand – US Navy personnel from the USS Abraham Lincoln spent their final days exploring Pattaya, taking in Thai culture, shopping, dining and nightlife before saying farewell to the city following their port visit. Around 5,000 personnel from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) came ashore during the ship’s Sept 2–6 port visit at Laem Chabang Deep Sea Port in Chonburi.
On Sept 4, the third day of their stay, large numbers of sailors visited the Pattaya Floating Market, where they explored the grounds, experienced Thai culture and watched traditional performances and other activities. Many also browsed and bought clothing, souvenirs, local products and other items to take home. Market management instructed vendors to maintain fair prices and not take advantage of the visiting sailors, while special promotions were arranged to welcome the US Navy personnel.
After dark, the action shifted to Walking Street in South Pattaya, where groups of sailors arrived to enjoy dinner, visit local businesses and relax in one of Pattaya’s best-known entertainment districts.
Security personnel and relevant agencies remained deployed throughout the area to provide security and assistance to the visiting sailors and other tourists.
The third day highlighted how widely the US personnel explored Pattaya, moving beyond nightlife to experience Thai culture, shopping, food and other attractions across the city. With the USS Abraham Lincoln scheduled to leave on Sept 6, Pattaya is preparing to say farewell to the sailors after several days that brought a noticeable increase in activity to tourist areas and businesses across the city.
