05.09.2026 02:00
Due to the Iran War, 5,000 crew members serving on the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln came ashore in Pattaya, Thailand, after a grueling 286-day naval mission. The sailors' vacation choices, who finally had a chance to breathe after months of military discipline, drew attention; as soon as both male and female soldiers set foot on land, they headed straight to beauty salons to get pedicures.
Some soldiers from the approximately 5,000-member crew of the US Navy's USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier were sent on leave in Pattaya, Thailand, after a 286-day naval mission. Some of the soldiers strolled through shopping malls, while others tried to shake off the fatigue of the long deployment by getting pedicures.
THEY SET FOOT ON LAND FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER 286 DAYS
The USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in Thailand on September 2 after remaining at sea continuously for 286 days. The visit to Pattaya served as a rest break for the crew of approximately 5,000 personnel following their long mission.
THEY QUEUED UP AT THE SALON FOR PEDICURES
The soldiers getting pedicures at a salon called Colour Nail in Pattaya was one of the most striking sights. It was reported that male and female soldiers had pedicures done at the salon, while some soldiers waited in line.
SHOPPING AND A BURGER BREAK
The soldiers who came ashore after the long naval mission did not limit themselves to personal care. Some crew members toured shopping malls, while others bought new socks, clothes, and various items. Some headed straight to fast-food restaurants.
Businesses in Pattaya also organized various campaigns to turn the arrival of thousands of US soldiers into an opportunity. Special discounts were offered to soldiers at some stores and restaurants in the city, and the visit is expected to bring vitality to the regional economy.
THEY TOOK THE STAGE AND DANCED AT A NIGHTCLUB
The soldiers' leisure activities did not end there. Sailors and Marines from the USS Abraham Lincoln were seen having fun at a nightclub in the center of Pattaya. Moments of some sailors taking the stage and dancing to the music were also captured on camera.
IMAGES DREW ATTENTION ON SOCIAL MEDIA
The fact that soldiers who had served at sea for a long time turned to daily activities such as pedicures, shopping, and eating as soon as they came ashore, especially the images from the pedicure salon, drew widespread attention on social media.