New photos of the USS Abraham Lincoln, widely considered one of the world’s most powerful naval aircraft carriers, have sparked a debate on social media, with critics mocking and criticizing the warship’s weathered exterior following a prolonged maritime deployment.
After spending over nine months at sea, the U.S. aircraft carrier arrived at the port of Laem Chabang in Thailand on Wednesday. The newly released images clearly show rust on various sections of the ship, green algae near the waterline, peeling paint, and a generally worn-out exterior structure.
According to reports, the USS Abraham Lincoln reached a port offering crew rest and maintenance approximately 286 days after its last stop. Following the ship’s arrival, public access to designated areas of the port was restricted.
As the images went viral, social media users began mocking U.S. naval power. One user wrote that the ship used to strike fear as a symbol of power, but now poses a risk of tetanus, while another described it as a sign of a defeated military.
However, experts have dismissed claims linking the ship’s outward appearance to combat damage. According to retired U.S. Navy officer Robert Morrell, rusting and paint peeling on warships deployed continuously at sea for extended periods are entirely normal.
He explained that while the vessel’s exterior certainly appears weathered, there is no evidence that its combat capability or operational performance has been compromised.
Consequently, this colossal vessel of U.S. naval might has undoubtedly become the target of criticism and jokes due to its appearance, but experts emphasize that judging it solely by rust and peeling paint would be a premature assessment of America’s naval strength.
Read also: Reports of suicide attempts deepen families concerns over US Abraham Lincoln’s prolonged deployment
