THE United States aircraft carrier George H W Bush’s port call to Phuket during Oct. 4-9 with thousands of personnel coming ashore for a rest-and-recreation break after six months supporting US operations in the Middle East is estimated to draw 30 million baht a day to the local economy, Phuket News Centre and Manager Online said.
USS George H W Bush (CVN-77), carrying approximately 4,800 personnel, and USS Delbert D Black (DDG-119), with about 289 personnel, totaling over 5,000 troops, anchored approximately around 3 kilometres offshore early Sunday morning.
The sailors, the majority of whom are young adults, began disembarking at Phuket Deep Sea Port at around 1.30 p.m. that same day under strict US security supervision. The transfer area, featuring 14 shuttle boats and a designated waiting zone, was securely cordoned off.
The US navy granted personnel the freedom to relax and visit tourist attractions without restrictions on specific locations. Additionally, shuttle services were provided to transport troops from the pier to tourist sites using over 40 buses, along with a large number of waiting vans.
Most tourist activities are concentrated in Patong area, particularly at Soi Bangla, Phuket’s renowned nightlife hub and a must-visit destination for travellers to the island province. Activities include cultural and lifestyle experiences, massages, and shopping. While some personnel chose to stay in hotels, others returned to their ships.
The atmosphere around Soi Bangla was lively, with large numbers of foreign tourists, including US navy personnel, strolling through the area and participating in various activities.
Phuket Governor Chotinarin Kerd-som said the priority during this period is to ensure convenience and a service-oriented mindset among local business operators and residents, spanning accommodations, restaurants, and tourist attractions, to create a positive impression and instill confidence in visitors.
Simultaneously, the province has instructed relevant agencies to verify the readiness of essential utilities, particularly electricity and water supply systems, and to inspect areas at risk of disruption due to weather or natural causes. Agencies have also been directed to prepare for rapid response and problem resolution should any issues arise.
Meanwhile, Pol. Maj. Gen. Surachai Suksai, commander of Phuket Provincial Police, said his team had established a joint operations centre to coordinate efforts with all relevant agencies. These include various police units, such as Tourist Police, Immigration Police, and Special Branch Police—as well as administrative officials, the Thai navy, and local government organisations, ensuring unified action on safety and assistance.
For the last six months, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and its strike group 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, a Reuters report published by CNA quoted to the US navy as saying.
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 USS Abraham Lincoln had also visited Pattaya during Sep. 2-6 for a rest-and-recreation break.
CAPTIONS:
Above and Front Page: The USS George H W Bush arrives near Phuket Deep Sea Port in Thailand on Sunday Oct. 4, 2026. Photo: Reuters/Sooppharoek Teepapan and published by CNA
First insert: The USS George H W Bush anchored off Phuket and sailors coming ashore. Photo – Manager Online
Second insert: Soi Bangla was bustling last night. Photo – Manager Online
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