Homecoming Blues: The USS Abraham Lincoln's Crew Arrives in Thailand, Bearing Scars of a Record Breaking Deployment The crew of 5,000 from the USS Abraham Lincoln has finally disembarked after nearly nine months at sea, a record breaking deployment that has left sailors with more than just sea legs to shake off.
As they stepped off buses into Pattaya's bright lights and warm smiles, it was clear their return to dry land would be anything but straightforward.
Living conditions on board had deteriorated, with reports of food shortages and hygiene issues. Captain Dan Keeler downplayed these concerns, attributing them to first time sailors' complaints.