US-Thailand Friendship showcased aboard USS H.W. Bush in Phuket

PHUKET — More than 5,000 US Navy personnel are visiting Phuket during a six-day stopover by two warships, with local officials reporting increased spending in Patong and opportunities for vendors selling food and drinks at the island’s deep sea port.

Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom, accompanied by his deputies and representatives from government agencies and the private sector, toured the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) on 6 October, according to the Phuket Provincial Commerce Office.

The office described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen Thai-US relations and promote understanding between people of the two countries. Phuket provincial commerce chief Woranit Aphiratchirawong also joined the tour.

The aircraft carrier and the destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG-119) arrived on 4 October for a visit scheduled to run until 9 October.

Matichon reported that the two ships carried a combined 5,109 personnel: approximately 4,820 aboard the carrier and 289 aboard the destroyer. The carrier anchored about 1.78 nautical miles, or 3.3 kilometres, off Phuket Deep Sea Port in Wichit subdistrict.

A fleet of 14 boats was arranged to ferry personnel ashore, with transfers beginning at 08:00 on 4 October. Local police, marine officials, and other agencies coordinated security, traffic management, and safe passage between the ships and the port.

The Commerce Office said visiting personnel had been sightseeing and shopping in tourist areas and business districts, particularly Patong, benefiting restaurants, shops, and service businesses.

Provincial authorities and partner agencies also arranged space at the deep sea port for local vendors to sell products, food, and drinks to the sailors. Thai tea and iced drinks were among the items attracting interest, the office said.

Officials said the stopover offered opportunities to generate income for local businesses while introducing visiting personnel to Phuket’s food and culture. The office did not provide an estimate of total spending during the visit.