BANGKOK: The US Navy’s aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush has arrived in Thailand after spending several months supporting US military operations in the Middle East. Around 4,800 US personnel are aboard the carrier and are expected to spend several days resting and enjoying leisure activities in Phuket.
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier arrived near the popular Thai tourist destination of Phuket on Sunday. According to reports, the vessel supported US military operations in the Arabian Sea during the conflict involving Iran.
Local media reported that the George H.W. Bush will anchor offshore, while its crew will travel to the island through Phuket Deep Sea Port.
The US personnel are scheduled to remain in Phuket from October 4 to 9, taking a break from their duties and spending time on the popular resort island.
More US Navy Visits to Thailand
The arrival of the George H.W. Bush follows a visit by another US aircraft carrier, the Abraham Lincoln, which docked at Laem Chabang, an eastern Thai port, last month.
Around 5,000 sailors and Marines were aboard the Abraham Lincoln during its visit.
According to an estimate by a local mayor, each US service member aboard the Abraham Lincoln could spend up to 3,000 baht, or approximately $89, per day during their stay in Thailand.
Thailand also holds a significant position in US defence relations and is the only treaty ally of the United States in mainland Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, according to the US Department of Defense, the United States’ costs related to the war with Iran have reached $25 billion so far.
