India, Sept. 4 -- The USS Abraham Lincoln has arrived at a Thai port after an extended deployment of nearly 10 months, with extensive rust visible along its hull after 286 days at sea, including months of combat and blockade operations in the Middle East.

The US aircraft carrier docked at Laem Chabang, south of Bangkok, on Wednesday for a several-day port visit - its first major opportunity for rest and maintenance following a gruelling stretch at sea.

Why is the carrier covered in rust?

The nearly 1,100-foot-long carrier's hull was seen streaked with rust from the bow to the stern, drawing attention after images of the ship emerged from its arrival in Thailand.

However, former US Navy captain Carl Schuster told CNN that corrosion alo...