The sailors of the USS Abraham Lincoln have finally exchanged their duties at sea for some downtime on the beaches of Thailand. Following an arduous nine-month deployment, these service members are taking a well-deserved break from military operations.
Their families share a collective sigh of relief, as their loved ones set foot on solid ground. Christi McGarey, whose son Marshall Ludwig serves on the ship, expressed her relief to CBS News. “I’m certain that his feet have touched the ground, and I’m so relieved,” she said. Considering the vessel’s long history, this extended period at sea has been unprecedented.
Aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, approximately 5,000 sailors, Marines, and crew members spent the last six months engaged in a conflict with Iran. Throughout this time, the crew encountered worsening conditions due to disrupted supplies and targeted strikes on U.S. bases in the area. The mental health of the crew was also a concern.
CBS News attempted to interview sailors as they arrived in Laem Chabang. Although they refrained from discussing onboard conditions, they expressed joy at being in Thailand. A notable moment was a pedestrian passing a LED display that welcomed U.S. service personnel in Pattaya on September 2, 2026.
“I don’t know if he was trying to make mom feel better,” McGarey said of her son Marshall, who is on his second deployment. “He said he knew about one person that had jumped overboard, but that that was all he was aware of.”
An incident involving a sailor going overboard in August is currently under investigation by the Navy. The sailor received follow-on care after being safely rescued. The reasons behind the fall remain undisclosed as the investigation continues.
Jefferson Kelley, a concerned parent, highlighted the demanding nature of such long deployments. His son Jackson experienced his first deployment on the Lincoln. Kelley remarked on the age and maintenance needs of the ship: “These are old ships, not state-of-the-art, and require around-the-clock maintenance.”
McGarey faced limited communication with her son during his participation in strikes on Iran and a U.S. blockade. “They set off on a regular deployment, unaware a war would break out,” she noted. “Knowing today his heart is lighter, and he had fun, I can’t express how that feels for me.”
The USS George Washington has now replaced the Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East. After a brief stay in Thailand, the USS Lincoln will return to its home port in San Diego. This marks the end of a challenging expedition for those aboard.
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