PATTAYA, Thailand – The USS Abraham Lincoln has sailed away from Laem Chabang, but its five-day visit has left Pattaya with more than the sight of one of the world’s largest warships. The aircraft carrier departed Thailand on September 6 after bringing around 5,000 U.S. Navy sailors and Marines to Chonburi for a period of rest and recreation following an extended deployment. During their time ashore, many visited Pattaya to enjoy Thai food, shopping, sightseeing, local attractions and the city’s famous hospitality. For many people in Pattaya, however, the visit was also a chance to witness something they may never see again.
The enormous USS Abraham Lincoln became a striking sight at Laem Chabang, drawing attention from residents and visitors who wanted to see the carrier and capture photographs of the historic visit. Across Pattaya, the presence of thousands of American sailors also brought an unusual energy to the city during the low season. Restaurants, shopping centers, hotels, attractions and other local businesses welcomed visitors from the ship, while sailors spread out across the city during their shore leave. But perhaps the most lasting memories were the simple ones — a meal shared, a Thai attraction discovered, a photograph taken, a friendly greeting or a smile exchanged between visitors and the people of Pattaya.
The visit also showed a different side of Pattaya to many of the young sailors. Alongside the city’s entertainment scene, they experienced Thai culture, local food and attractions, including the Pattaya Floating Market, where sailors explored traditional performances, shops and local products. Captain Dan Keeler, commanding officer of the USS Abraham Lincoln, thanked the people of Thailand for their hospitality and expressed hope that he and his crew could return to Thailand and Pattaya again. He said the welcome and care provided during the visit had made a strong impression.
That feeling was reflected on the Thai side too.
When the carrier finally sailed from Laem Chabang, Pattaya and Chonburi officials gathered to see it off, exchanging tokens of appreciation with the ship’s crew after days of cooperation and hospitality.
For Pattaya, the USS Abraham Lincoln was here for only five days. But five days were enough to fill the city with new faces, new stories and thousands of photographs — memories that will remain long after the enormous carrier disappears over the horizon. Thank you for visiting Pattaya, USS Abraham Lincoln. Have a safe journey, and hopefully, see you again.
