The USS Abraham Lincoln arrives in Thailand following its Middle East deployment

LAEM CHABANG, Thailand (AP) — The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier arrived in eastern Thailand early Wednesday after its grueling deployment in the Middle East.

Associated Press journalists watched the Lincoln, which is carrying about 5,000 service members, approach Laem Chabang port in Chonburi province shortly after the destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. sailed passed the area.

The ship had been supporting the U.S. war against Iran. Its deployment included a record-setting uninterrupted time at sea of more than 250 days. Concerns have grown about the Lincoln’s lengthy deployment following reports of deteriorating mental health among the crew and shortages of supplies including food and hygiene products.

The usually Asia-based U.S.S. George Washington relieved the long-deployed Lincoln in the Middle East in August.

Many of the service members are expected to make a visit to Pattaya, a nearby popular beach town. Thai officials have said the Lincoln’s stop would be for rest and recovery before returning to its U.S. base.

Pattaya officials said they welcomed the visit and the potential boost to the local economy. Authorities said they are stepping up security to ensure a smooth visit.

The USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer arrives as part of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group at the port in Laem Chabang, Chonburi, Thailand Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026 (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrives at the port in Laem Chabang, Chonburi, Thailand Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrives at the port in Laem Chabang, Chonburi, Thailand, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrives at the port in Laem Chabang, Chonburi, Thailand, Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Tourists spend time on a beach in Pattaya, Thailand, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Boats float by Pattaya beach in Thailand, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

A motorcycle taxi drives past a banner in Pattaya, Thailand, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Freddy Peralta pitched six terrific innings against his former team, Yandy Díaz homered and doubled, and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the New York Mets 6-2 on Tuesday night.

Junior Caminero extended his hitting streak to 15 games with two singles for Tampa Bay. Victor Mesa Jr. had three hits and Ryan Vilade drove in two runs for the Rays, who have the best record in the American League at 83-55 and began the night with a 4 1/2-game lead in the AL East over the New York Yankees.

Peralta, acquired from the Mets for three minor leaguers in an Aug. 2 trade, struggled at the start. He gave up Francisco Lindor’s leadoff homer and consecutive singles to Bo Bichette and Carson Benge. But the right-hander settled down and retired 17 of his final 18 batters.

Peralta (7-11) allowed three hits and one run, with no walks and seven strikeouts. He has permitted just one run over his last 14 innings.

The two-time All-Star combined with three Rays relievers to hold New York to 0 for 26 over the final eight innings, although the Mets managed to score in the seventh when Tampa Bay walked four batters.

Caminero quickly extended the longest active hitting streak in the majors with a first-inning single that scored Díaz and tied the game at 1.

Vilade’s third-inning single off Sean Manaea (4-7) scored Mesa and gave the Rays a 2-1 lead.

Tampa Bay chased Manaea by hitting for the cycle in a three-run sixth, including Nick Fortes' run-scoring double, Díaz's homer and Vilade's triple. Fortes scored on a sacrifice fly by Taylor Walls.

Lindor drove Peralta’s 3-2 curveball into the right-field seats for his 34th career leadoff homer and second in three games. He drove in both Mets runs, including a bases-loaded walk.

Mets RHP Justin Hagenman will make his 2026 debut in Wednesday’s series finale. The Rays are expected to start right-hander Griffin Jax (6-9, 3.63 ERA) after activating him from the injured list.

See AP’s full MLB coverage here

New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea delivers to the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Tampa Bay Rays' Victor Mesa Jr., right, celebrates with first base coach Corey Dickerson after his single off New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea during the fourth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Kevin Kelly (49) celebrates with catcher Nick Fortes after closing out the New York Mets during the ninth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Tampa Bay Rays' Yandy Díaz celebrates in the dugout after his solo home run off New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea during the sixth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Freddy Peralta delibers to the New York Mets during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)