The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln docked at Laem Chabang port, Thailand with peeling paint and rust

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln attracted attention with large rust and peeling spots on its hull when docked at Laem Chabang port in Thailand.

The Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group today docked at Laem Chabang port in Thailand's Chonburi province, marking the first time the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln came ashore after 250 days of continuous operations at sea.

Images at Laem Chabang port show that the paint on the USS Abraham Lincoln's body has peeled off heavily, revealing many long rust streaks. This situation appears clearly at the waterline and along the edge of the flight deck, where the aircraft on the ship are located.

When asked about the aircraft carrier's condition, Captain Dan Keeler said this was "normal" after a long deployment. "We will not comment further," he said.

WION news site in April mentioned the potential dangers of rust on the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, saying that pieces of peeling material could be sucked into the F/A-18E/F and F-35C fighter engines during takeoff, causing damage or even threatening flight safety.

Joseph Trevithick, editor of the American military website War Zone, pointed out that long periods of duty, constant exposure to sea water and not being docked for maintenance will aggravate rust and wear on the battleship's hull, which can affect the integrity of the hull and cause many other problems.

The severity of rust on the ship's hull also has a significant impact on maintenance activities, can prolong port time and cause more costs, reducing overall combat readiness.

USS Abraham Lincoln left San Diego port in November 2025 for duty in the Pacific, before heading to the Middle East and playing a key role in the large-scale attack campaign against Iran, as well as the subsequent effort to impose a seaport blockade.

The warship remained at sea for most of the following time, except for two short port calls in Guam in December 2025 and Oman in July. US aircraft carriers will normally dock at sea after 30-45 days at sea for resupply, maintenance and for the crew to rest.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said information about living conditions on the ship had been "completely distorted". President Donald Trump last month also dismissed concerns about the USS Abraham Lincoln's prolonged deployment, saying the ship had not been in operation "long enough."

"That is the President's opinion, I have nothing more to comment on," Colonel Keeler responded when asked about Mr. Trump's comments.

Many of the approximately 5,000 soldiers on the USS Abraham Lincoln are expected to arrive in Pattaya, a famous coastal city located near Laem Chabang. Thailand said on August 27 that the aircraft carrier would stop here for the crew to rest and recover before returning to the base in the US. Pattaya officials welcomed the visit, hoping this activity will contribute to boosting the local economy.

Shakeira Fairfax, mother of a sailor, went to Thailand to meet her daughter Jada. "I'm so excited. I have so many emotions right now. I can't wait to hold my baby, to be with him," Ms. Fairfax said outside a hotel in Pattaya.