Kate Laurensen is a veteran reporter. She started out covering entertainment news for the local city paper before moving up to the City desk. She studied journalism at San Francisco City College for the Arts.
September 3 , 2026
PATTAYA, Thailand — Senator Mitch McConnell was seen welcoming sailors as they disembarked from the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln during a port visit in Pattaya on Wednesday, making an appearance at the waterfront after vacationing in nearby Phuket.
McConnell, the longtime Kentucky senator, arrived at the dock as sailors came ashore from the carrier and associated vessels. He exchanged brief greetings with members of the crew and observed the arrival alongside local port personnel and other visitors.
McConnell stood near the pier as groups of sailors carrying backpacks and duffel bags came ashore. He shook hands with several service members and offered brief congratulations on completing the deployment.
“Welcome to Thailand,” McConnell cheerfully intoned. “You've earned the break.”
The senator had reportedly been spending time in Phuket before traveling to Pattaya. His itinerary included snorkeling activities, which he paused to attend the sailors’ arrival, according to people familiar with the visit.
The Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is one of the Navy’s principal platforms for conducting operations and maintaining a U.S. presence across international waters. Port calls offer crew members a period of rest and recreation while also allowing host communities and visiting personnel to engage informally.
No formal remarks by McConnell were announced at the dock. The visit appeared to be brief, with the senator departing after greeting sailors and speaking with several officials near the port area.
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