US aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush anchors off Thailand for crew rest amid Iran tensions
US carrier George H.W. Bush docks near Phuket for crew's rest and recreation
Bangkok: The US aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush arrived off Thailand's resort island of Phuket on Sunday with about 4,800 personnel aboard for a rest-and-recreation visit after months supporting US operations in the Middle East, Reuters reported.
The Nimitz-class carrier had been operating in the Arabian Sea during the conflict with Iran, according to media reports.
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The carrier will remain anchored offshore, while crew members are expected to come ashore through Phuket Deep Sea Port and spend time on the island from October 4 to 9, local media reported.
Second US carrier visit in weeks
The visit follows a five-day port call by the US carrier Abraham Lincoln at Laem Chabang in eastern Thailand last month. About 5,000 sailors and Marines were aboard the carrier.
A local mayor estimated that each US service member could spend up to 3,000 baht ($89) per day during the visit, potentially providing a boost to local businesses.
Thailand is the United States' only treaty ally in mainland Southeast Asia.
