US carrier George H.W. Bush visits Thailand after Middle East deployment
- The Nimitz-class carrier had been operating in the Arabian Sea during the conflict with Iran, according to multiple media reports
The US aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush, with 4,800 personnel, arrived off Phuket, Thailand, for a rest-and-recreation break after Middle East operations, highlighting US-Thai relations.
- The carrier's recent operations in the Middle East.
- Economic impact of US naval visits on local economies.
- Thailand's role as a key US treaty partner in Southeast Asia.
BANGKOK: The US aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush arrived off Thailand’s resort island of Phuket on Sunday with about 4,800 personnel aboard for a rest-and-recreation break after months of supporting US operations in the Middle East.
The Nimitz-class carrier had been operating in the Arabian Sea during the conflict with Iran, according to multiple media reports.
The carrier will anchor offshore, while crew members are expected to come ashore through Phuket Deep Sea Port and spend time on the popular southern resort island from October 4 to 9, local media reported.
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The visit follows a five-day port call by the US carrier Abraham Lincoln at Laem Chabang in eastern Thailand last month, with about 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard.
A local mayor had estimated each US service member from the Lincoln could spend up to 3,000 baht ($89) per day during the visit.
Thailand is the United States’ only treaty partner in mainland Southeast Asia.