US carrier George H W Bush visits Thailand after Middle East deployment

The USS George H W Bush aircraft carrier docked in Phuket, Thailand on October 4 with approximately 4,800 crew members. The vessel had been deployed to the Middle East for six months as part of Operation Epic Fury and to maintain a naval blockade. The carrier's visit marks its first port call since leaving Norfolk, Virginia and Mayport, Florida in March.

During its stay, the crew will engage in cultural activities, sightseeing, and a friendly soccer match with Thailand. The ship anchored offshore while sailors disembarked via the Phuket Deep Sea Port to spend time on the popular resort island between October 4 and 9. This visit follows a previous five-day stop by the USS Abraham Lincoln at Laem Chabang in eastern Thailand last month, involving around 5,000 sailors and Marines.