The USS Abraham Lincoln — a US aircraft carrier at the centre of a political row over conditions on board — will arrive in Thailand today for the first port call for its 5,000 crew members since November, according to Al Jazeera.

The resort city of Pattaya, a rest-and-recreation destination for US troops since the Vietnam War, has stepped up security as it prepares to welcome the sailors.

The nuclear-powered ship left California in November 2025 for duty in the South China Sea and was rerouted to the Middle East before US-Israeli attacks on Iran began six months ago.

Reports of deteriorating living conditions and poor mental health on board, including attempted suicides, have made headlines in the US, provoking criticism of the war on Iran.

Pattaya’s Mayor Poramase Ngampiches says the massive carrier will dock just after midnight (10pm PKT) at Laem Chabang port.

“They come to relax because it’s been almost 280 days since anyone came ashore,” Poramase says in a Facebook post.

“Our preparations will focus on safety and ensuring fair pricing so we don’t take advantage of them.”