The USS Abraham Lincoln, the largest warship in the US Navy, arrived in the Thai city of Pattaya with nearly 5,000 sailors, marking a much-needed break after nine months at sea.

Far from hitting the bars and fleshpots of Pattaya's beach resort, the sailors seemed determined to go shopping, clutching their recent purchases as they hung around the Hard Rock Hotel. The experience was a welcome respite for those who had been confined inside the ship for an extended period.

Sailors' military haircuts, moustaches, navy

The sailors' military haircuts, moustaches, and navy t-shirts stood out against the usual Pattaya crowd in its flip-flops and beachwear. However, night brought a different story, with the city's neon-lit nightlife, noise, and naughty bars putting on a riotous spectacle that was off-limits to the sailors.

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Local businesses had been hoping to benefit from the sailors' nine months of unspent salary, but Pattaya's sex industry had been declared off-limits due to technicalities. Conflict in the Middle East, where the USS Abraham Lincoln was last operating, had impacted business in Pattaya, with many tourists choosing to stay home.

The city's famous promenade, Walking Street, was welcoming to the sailors, but conversation over the pounding music was challenging. One older crew member expressed their need for a break, saying "The news says we've been at sea for nine months. To be honest I've lost track of time."

Shakeira Fairfax, the mother of 25-year-old crew member Jada Fairfax, shared concerns about morale during the long deployment, describing it as an "uncertain" and "scary" time. She expressed her eagerness to see her daughter smile again.

The crew have been well-drilled not to talk about conditions on board the USS Abraham Lincoln, but some sailors were wary of making conversation or referred journalists' questions to their media teams. Visible everywhere in Pattaya were men wearing t-shirts emblazoned with the letters SLG, or Shore Liaison Group.

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The Shore Liaison Group is responsible for maintaining discipline on land, watching over crew members, and coordinating with local authorities during port calls. US Naval Attache Kristopher Robinson did not answer questions about activities banned to the sailors, saying they are trying to give them as much opportunity for rest as possible.

US personnel will conduct themselves in accordance with US law, naval regulations, and Thai laws. The stop in Thailand provides a chance for the crew to let off steam and enjoy a break from life on board a warship. If their stop does the trick, frustration over the unexpectedly long mission may dissipate.

The USS Abraham Lincoln's record 250 days at sea have raised concerns about the conditions of life on board a warship.