CHONBURI, Thailand – Crowds gathered at viewpoints across Sri Racha on September 6 to watch and bid farewell to the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) after the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier completed its scheduled visit to Thailand. The carrier departed Laem Chabang after a port call from September 2–6, during which U.S. Navy personnel took part in rest and recreation activities in Pattaya and across Chonburi.
The Chao Pho Khao Laem Chabang viewpoint became particularly busy from late morning, with residents and tourists arriving to watch the massive carrier leave the port. Many raised their mobile phones to capture photographs and video as the USS Abraham Lincoln sailed away. The carrier’s visit brought increased activity to Pattaya and surrounding areas, with large numbers of U.S. sailors going ashore during their stay. Restaurants, tourist attractions, shopping centers and other local businesses benefited from the additional visitors and spending.
The departure marked the end of the USS Abraham Lincoln’s scheduled visit to Thailand. The crowds gathering at several locations to watch the carrier leave reflected the strong public interest in the high-profile U.S. Navy visit and the warm reception it received across Chonburi.
