At the Hard Rock Cafe and hotel in Pattaya, the local mayor and police officials, accompanied by women dressed in traditional Thai attire, eagerly awaited the arrival of sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln, who disembarked from buses in casual clothing, carrying their bags.
The ship’s crew, numbering around 5,000, had spent an unprecedented nine months at sea without a port visit. Upon their arrival, while they appeared instructed not to discuss the reportedly worsening conditions aboard, many expressed excitement about finally being on land, catching up on sleep, and returning home.
One sailor, who identified himself only as Breese, described the experience as surreal, adding he was eager to try Thai cuisine for the first time and meet new people.
Pattaya, once a tranquil fishing village, underwent significant transformation during the Vietnam War, evolving into a renowned red light district as American soldiers arrived at military bases in Thailand. According to Pipatpong Fakfare, an associate professor focused on tourism at Bangkok University, this shift laid the groundwork for the city’s development. He noted that the US military’s presence turned Pattaya into a global nightlife and entertainment hotspot within just 15 years.
Even after American troops departed in the mid-1970s, the infrastructure supporting the sex industry expanded, with European tourists filling the void, followed more recently by an influx of visitors from China and Russia, Pipatpong remarked.
Located near Soi 6, known for its go-go bars and part of Pattaya’s sex tourism landscape, the Hard Rock hotel has imposed restrictions for the crew after dark, as stated by Mayor Poramet Ngampichet. However, the entrance to Walking Street, another entertainment area, welcomed the USS Abraham Lincoln and its personnel with a prominent neon sign.
The sailors were allowed to disembark in groups, resulting in staggered arrivals. Shakeira Fairfax, who traveled from New Jersey, faced an additional day of waiting to reunite with her daughter, sailor Jada Fairfax. Filled with excitement, she expressed her eagerness to embrace her daughter, although she admitted uncertainty about the changes she might see in her.
Jada, who completed her basic training last October, was deployed shortly after, just two months prior to the onset of the US and Israel’s conflict with Iran. She celebrated her 25th birthday aboard the ship in June. Fairfax mentioned a sudden halt in communication due to the war, but she managed to check in sporadically and send care packages in the interim.
Captain Dan Keeler of the USS Abraham Lincoln acknowledged the conditions aboard the carrier, likening it to a “dirty car in a parking lot.” He addressed the discrepancy between media reports and life on the ship, stating that first-time sailors often voice concerns about food and living situations, similar to new college students. He noted that the crew had been impacted by the political climate back home.
Keeler assured that there was an adequate food supply on board, albeit with challenges in obtaining fresh produce. He expressed anticipation for a fresh salad upon their return. He also mentioned the necessity of carefully managing personal hygiene supplies to ensure every sailor received their share.
When questioned about reports of attempted suicides on the ship, Keeler refrained from commenting due to an ongoing investigation. He responded to remarks from former President Donald Trump, who claimed the 270-day deployment was “not nearly long enough,” by stating that the president speaks for himself.
Crew members from the USS Higgins also arrived at the Hard Rock hotel. When asked about conditions on their ship, cook Ethan Johnson remarked, “We joined the military; it’s not a cruise ship,” while confirming ample availability of meat and vegetables on board.
In addition to restrictions on specific areas, sailors were also barred from participating in water sports due to safety concerns. They were not permitted to visit pharmacies as Thai authorities aimed to prevent access to over-the-counter medications that may require prescriptions in the US.
Kristopher Robinson, a naval attache with the US embassy, explained that Pattaya was selected for the crew’s relaxation due to the hospitality of the Thai people toward US sailors and travelers from around the world. He emphasized that sailors would seize the opportunity for rest while adhering to both US and local laws, enjoying Pattaya’s exceptional cuisine and rich culture.
