CHONBURI, Thailand – Chonburi officials and Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet joined the farewell for the USS Abraham Lincoln on September 6, marking the end of the aircraft carrier’s five-day visit and another chapter in Thailand-US friendship. Chonburi Governor Naris Niramaiwong assigned Mayor Poramet, Banglamung District Chief Anusak Piriya-amorn, Sriracha District Chief Phatchanan Phongphat, Laem Chabang Port Deputy Director Weerachat Phuttharaksa and Chonburi Provincial Police Deputy Commander Pol. Col. Patikorn Sornchai to join the farewell ceremony for the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72).
The carrier and accompanying strike group units departed Thailand on Sunday following their scheduled port visit to the Sriracha and Pattaya area. Nearly 5,000 sailors and Marines spent time ashore during the visit, with many exploring Pattaya and other parts of Chonburi. The farewell was arranged by the U.S. Embassy’s Force Protection Detachment. Chonburi representatives presented gifts to Capt. Dan Keeler, commanding officer of the USS Abraham Lincoln, and members of his crew as a gesture of friendship and appreciation for their time in Thailand. Keeler reciprocated by presenting souvenirs to the Thai delegation, reflecting the warm relations developed during the port visit.
Thai authorities had worked with U.S. officials throughout the visit to coordinate security, transportation and activities for the visiting personnel. The U.S. Navy later thanked the Thai people for their hospitality, describing the Pattaya port visit as an opportunity for the crew to recharge and a highlight of the deployment. In a special gesture before the ship departed, Capt. Keeler also invited the Chonburi delegation aboard to visit his in-port cabin, an area used as his working and reception space while the carrier is docked.
The cabin was decorated in a distinctive style inspired by the office of former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, including furniture and décor designed to recreate the atmosphere associated with the president after whom the carrier is named. The visit gave the Thai delegation a closer look inside the massive warship while providing another informal moment of cultural exchange between the two sides. The USS Abraham Lincoln’s departure closed a five-day visit that brought nearly 5,000 U.S. sailors and Marines to Thailand and generated activity for businesses and tourist attractions in Pattaya and surrounding areas.
For Chonburi, officials said the visit demonstrated the province’s ability to welcome major international visitors while strengthening cooperation in tourism, security and international relations. The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is now continuing its mission in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, while the goodwill created during its Thailand visit remains an important part of the long-standing relationship between Thailand and the United States.
