US carrier George H.W. Bush visits Thailand after Middle East deployment
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The Nimitz-class carrier had been operating in the Arabian Sea during the conflict with Iran, according to multiple media reports.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- The US aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush arrived in Phuket, Thailand, with about 4,800 personnel for rest and recreation after months supporting Middle East operations.
- The carrier operated in the Arabian Sea during the Iran conflict and will anchor offshore while crew visit Phuket from Oct 4-9.
- This visit follows a recent US carrier stop in eastern Thailand, highlighting strong US-Thailand military ties as Thailand is the US's only treaty partner in mainland Southeast Asia.
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BANGKOK – The US aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush arrived in Thailand’s resort island of Phuket on Oct 4 with about 4,800 personnel aboard for a rest-and-recreation break after months of supporting US operations in the Middle East.
For the last six months, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and its strike group have supported Operation Epic Fury and the US naval blockade in the US Central Command area of responsibility to secure maritime security and stability in the Middle East, according to the US Navy.
The area of responsibility, according to the US Central Command’s website, spans more than 10 million sq km. The region consists of the “intersection of three continents and globally vital commercial sea lanes, flight corridors, pipelines and overland routes”, it says.
Phuket is the first port call for the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group since departing Norfolk, Virginia, and Mayport, Florida, in March, the US Navy said in a statement.
Sailors will take part in cultural and community activities in Phuket, including sightseeing tours and a US-Thailand soccer match, it said.
The carrier anchored offshore, while crew members are expected to come ashore through Phuket Deep Sea Port and spend time on the popular southern resort island from Oct 4-9, local media reported.
Some sailors were seen coming ashore by boat.
The visit follows a five-day port call by the US carrier Abraham Lincoln at Laem Chabang in eastern Thailand in September, 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 (S$114.17) per day during the visit.
Thailand is the United States’ only treaty partner in mainland South-east Asia. REUTERS