PHUKET, Thailand, Oct 4 – The US aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush reached Thailand's resort island of Phuket on Sunday, bringing about 4,800 crew members for a break after six months of supporting US operations in the Middle East.
During the past six months, the Nimitz-class carrier and its strike group were involved in Operation Epic Fury and assisted with the US naval blockade in the Central Command area, focusing on maintaining maritime security and stability in the region, according to the US Navy.
Phuket marks the first port visit for the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group since its departure from Norfolk, Virginia, and Mayport, Florida, in March. The US Navy stated that sailors will engage in various cultural and community activities while in Phuket, including sightseeing and a US-Thailand soccer match.
The carrier is anchored offshore, with crew members expected to come ashore at Phuket Deep Sea Port. They will enjoy their time on the popular southern island from October 4 to 9, as reported by local media. This visit follows a previous five-day stop by the US carrier Abraham Lincoln at Laem Chabang in eastern Thailand last month, which hosted approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines.