US Aircraft Carrier Strike Group Departs Thailand After Port Visit
The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group departed Thailand on September 6 after a port visit to Pattaya, with nearly 5,000 sailors and Marines exploring the country and reinforcing US military ties in the region.
Bangkok — The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group has departed Thailand after a scheduled port visit, with its commander thanking Thai people for their warm welcome during the stay. The US Embassy in Bangkok said the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and flagship of Carrier Strike Group 3, left Thailand as scheduled on 6 September along with its crew and other units assigned to the strike group.
The visit to the Sriracha and Pattaya areas, together with the strike group's continuing operations within the US 7th Fleet area of responsibility, highlighted the importance of regional alliances and partnerships and the United States' long-term commitment to the region, the embassy said.
"We want to thank the Thai people for their hospitality," said Captain Dan Keeler, commanding officer of USS Abraham Lincoln. "The port visit to Pattaya gave this crew a much-needed opportunity to relax and was a memorable experience for the strike group. Thailand has a rich culture and history, combined with a warm welcome, and all of that was clearly reflected during this port visit."
Keeler thanked Thailand for hosting the sailors and said the strike group looked forward to continuing its mission in the 7th Fleet alongside Thailand and other regional allies and partners.
During the visit, nearly 5,000 sailors and Marines from the strike group spent time exploring Thailand, helping strengthen their understanding of Thai people and building person-to-person ties, according to the embassy. The US Navy's Morale, Welfare and Recreation programme worked with Thai businesses to arrange sightseeing trips and other activities, allowing personnel to make the most of their time ashore.
The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is conducting routine operations in the US 7th Fleet area of operations. Units assigned to the fleet regularly operate throughout the region as part of US efforts to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and promote what the Navy describes as "peace through strength."
