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 along the waterline is not unusual for a ship that has spent extended periods continuously at sea.

Addressing the maintenance required, Schuster said crews would need to remove the corrosion, apply rust-preventive primer and repaint the affected sections.

Months of work may be needed

Schuster estimated that fully addressing the visible corrosion could require around 30 days of preservation work.

However, the carrier's short stay in Thailand means only the most urgent maintenance is likely to be carried out.

The forward hull and bow are expected to receive priority because those sections face significant exposure to salt water and the corrosive effects of prolonged operations at sea.

If left untreated, corrosion can spread and potentially create more serious maintenance problems, experts warn.

Extended deployment takes a toll

The visible rust is not the only challenge reported during the carrier's lengthy deployment.

Reports have also pointed to supply shortages and low crew morale, while at least one crew member reportedly went overboard during the deployment.

The carrier's prolonged operational schedule has placed significant demands on its crew and maintenance teams.

First major break for crew

The Laem Chabang visit is expected to provide sailors with a much-needed break after months of sustained operations.

While the port call offers an opportunity for limited maintenance, experts say a more extensive overhaul will likely be required once the carrier returns to a facility equipped for major ship preservation work.

US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has dismissed concerns surrounding the carrier's extended deployment and the issues reported during its time at sea.