Homeward bound USS Abraham Lincoln stops in Pattaya

 

It’s not clear who’s more excited about the USS Abraham Lincoln’s docking in Pattaya, Thailand, yesterday—the 5,000-person crew that was deployed for an unusually long 286 days, or the resort town that could use a financial jolt.

Right now, many of the sailors and Marines who were on board (in reportedly horrible living conditions) are enjoying their first bit of time off since deploying to support the US bombing of Iran and blockade of Iranian naval ports. The effects of those military operations are one reason the troops’ arrival in Pattaya is so welcome:

  • Due to travel disruptions and high gas prices from the Iran war, local business owners told the Wall Street Journal that tourism is down significantly from what’s typical for this time of year.
  • “We are glad to welcome [the sailors] because we are confident they have high purchasing power,” the mayor of Pattaya told the New York Times. Local officials estimated that crew members will spend $100–$150 each per day.

Looking ahead…the sailors are set to leave for their home port of San Diego on Sunday. Until then, they’ll be busy at the local bars and restaurants, but they’re barred from partaking in the raunchier, erm, nightlife scene that Pattaya has been infamous for since the Vietnam War. The town has worked to rebrand over the years, opening parks, malls, luxury resorts, and other family-friendly attractions.—ML

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