The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln entered Laem Chabang with the staffs of Carrier Strike Group 3, Carrier Air Wing 9 and Destroyer Squadron 21, as well as the air wing’s nine squadrons. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. docked at nearby Sriracha, while the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls arrived at Map Ta Phut.
Rear Adm. Robert E. Loughran, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3, said: “Our arrival in Laem Chabang provides a well-deserved opportunity for our Sailors and Marines to rest and recharge. It also underscores the strong and enduring partnership and alliance between the United States and Thailand.”
“What this strike group has accomplished is truly historic. I could not be prouder of the exceptional professionalism and expertise demonstrated by every member of this team during our operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility,” Loughran added.
The visit places renewed attention on a U.S.-Thai relationship that dates back 193 years to the Treaty of Amity and Commerce signed in 1833. Thailand is Washington’s oldest partner in the region and its only treaty ally in mainland Southeast Asia, with maritime ties supported by port visits and exercises including Cobra Gold.
Capt. Dan Keeler, Abraham Lincoln’s commanding officer, said: “Abraham Lincoln’s visit to Laem Chabang is a clear demonstration of our enduring commitment to our allies and partners in Thailand, and we are all very excited to make Thailand the first port visit on our historic deployment. This port visit will help us gain a deeper understanding of one another, demonstrate our mutual commitment to the security of the region, and allow our crew to enjoy this beautiful and historic country.”
During its time in the U.S. Central Command area, the strike group operated alongside other U.S. Navy and Marine Corps assets in combat operations supporting Operation Epic Fury. The forces also enforced what the Navy described as the largest naval blockade in decades.
The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is now conducting routine operations within the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. Its presence forms part of wider U.S. cooperation with allies and partners aimed at supporting a free, open, connected, prosperous, secure and resilient Indo-Pacific.
