Archive · 4 Oct 2026
US Carrier George H.W. Bush Visits Thailand After Six-Month Deployment
The US aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush arrived near Phuket, Thailand, on October 4.
About 4,800 people are aboard the ship.
The carrier group has spent six months supporting US operations in the Middle East.
The Navy says the group supported Operation Epic Fury and a naval blockade.
Phuket is its first port stop since it left Virginia and Florida in March.
The visit is planned to last until October 9.
Sailors are expected to go sightseeing and join cultural and community activities.
A soccer match between US and Thai participants is also planned.
The visit gives the crew time away from a long deployment.
The aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush arrived off Phuket, Thailand, on October 4 with about 4,800 personnel aboard.
The carrier and its strike group spent six months supporting Operation Epic Fury and a US naval blockade in the US Central Command area of responsibility.
The Phuket stop is the strike group’s first port call since it left Norfolk, Virginia, and Mayport, Florida, in March.
The visit is scheduled to run from October 4 to 9, with sailors expected to take part in sightseeing, cultural and community activities, and a US-Thailand soccer match.
The visit follows a five-day Thailand port call by the carrier Abraham Lincoln, which had about 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard.
- Who
- The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group and about 4,800 personnel aboard.
- What
- The carrier arrived for a port visit and rest-and-recreation break.
- When
- The visit is scheduled for October 4 to 9.
- Where
- Off Phuket, Thailand; the carrier is anchored offshore.
- Why
- The visit provides a break after six months supporting US operations in the Middle East.
- Arrival
- October 4
- Scheduled visit
- October 4 to 9
- Personnel aboard
- About 4,800
- Deployment duration
- Six months
- Operations cited by the Navy
- Operation Epic Fury and a US naval blockade in the US Central Command area of responsibility
- First port call since departure
- Phuket; the strike group left Norfolk, Virginia, and Mayport, Florida, in March
- Planned activities
- Sightseeing, cultural and community activities, and a US-Thailand soccer match
- Previous carrier visit
- The Abraham Lincoln made a five-day port call in Thailand last month with about 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard
