US Navy is stretched too thin, Brent Sadler warns
Retired Navy Capt. Brent Sadler says the U.S. Navy is being pushed beyond sustainable limits as it tries to answer mounting threats from rivals including China and Iran. He pointed to the USS Abraham Lincoln’s 250-day deployment as evidence of the pressure on a smaller fleet, arguing that Washington must expand shipbuilding to bring deployments back closer to the Navy’s traditional six-month cycle.
In Thailand, a major resort city has moved to curb prostitution as it prepares for the arrival of roughly 5,000 U.S. sailors and Marines coming off months of duty at sea in the Middle East.
The USS Abraham Lincoln arrived Wednesday near Pattaya, one of Thailand’s best-known nightlife hubs, alongside two other Navy ships, The Independent reported.
“We are doing our best, but it is difficult,” Pattaya police chief Anek Srathongyoo said Monday, referring to the department’s efforts to rein in prostitution across the city.
Pedestrians pass a banner welcoming U.S. military personnel outside a bar in Pattaya, Thailand, on Sept. 1, 2026, as the resort city increases security before the arrival of sailors and Marines from the USS Abraham Lincoln. (AFP via Getty Images)
The police effort involves increased patrols in beachfront and nightlife areas, as well as raids over the weekend in which more than 50 people were arrested on suspicion of prostitution.
Although prostitution is illegal in Thailand, major tourist hubs like Bangkok and Pattaya are well known for sex tourism.
The San Diego–based USS Abraham Lincoln left port in November and was redirected to the Middle East amid the U.S. war with Iran.
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However, the prolonged deployment raised concerns amid reports of health issues, deteriorating conditions aboard the warship, and low morale.
U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) is seen near Laem Chabang Port in the Gulf of Thailand on Sept. 2, 2026, near Pattaya. (AFP via Getty Images)
Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches expressed hope that the influx of American service members would boost the region’s economy.
Each service member could spend around $30 to $90 per day, depending on where they stay and for how long, the mayor said.
“When we heard the news that a U.S. Navy warship would be docking in Pattaya, it became a source of hope for us,” said Lisa Hamilton, president of the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association.
General views of Pattaya nightlife amid reports that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier may visit the area on Sept. 1, 2026, in Pattaya, Thailand. The U.S. Navy has not publicly confirmed the visit. (David Silverman/Getty Images)
Pattaya originally grew from a small fishing village into a major tourism hub largely due to U.S. military members seeking rest and relaxation during the Vietnam War.