The US Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) is scheduled to dock at the deep-water port of Phuket Island, Thailand for rest and visits in early October. The Bush is the second US aircraft carrier to visit Thailand after completing its deployment mission in the Middle East.
Accompanying the carrier strike group is the USS Delbert D. Black (DDG-119) missile destroyer, with a total of over 5,000 US military personnel on board. The Black missile destroyer carries approximately 320 officers and soldiers.
The Bush aircraft carrier accommodates around 4,800 officers and soldiers and is expected to dock at the Phuket Island deep-water port from October 4th to 10th. It is the 10th and final ship of the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, officially commissioned in 2009, named after the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, who was a WWII pilot.
The fleet departed from its homeport in Norfolk, Virginia, on March 31 and was deployed to the Arabian Sea to support operations during the US-Iran conflict.
According to the Bangkok Post report on Wednesday (September 30), the Deputy Defense Attaché and Force Protection Representative of the US Embassy in Thailand met with the Thai police and Patong Sea Police on Tuesday (September 29) to establish a communication mechanism, including setting up dedicated communication groups, to enhance coordination efficiency.
Thai authorities emphasized to the US side that American military personnel must strictly adhere to local laws and regulations during their time in Thailand, and both sides will work together to ensure the safety and security of the island and the visiting US troops.
The USS George H.W. Bush will be the second US aircraft carrier to visit Thailand after ending its deployment mission in the Middle East. Previously, the USS Abraham Lincoln, another Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, visited the Laem Chabang Port in Pattaya, Chonburi Province in early September.
According to reports, Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet stated that the 5,000 personnel from the Lincoln brought in tourism expenditures and procurement revenue totaling up to 100 million baht (about 3 million US dollars) for Pattaya. The arrival of the Bush fleet with a large number of personnel is also expected to inject significant economic vitality into the local tourism, food, and retail industries.