Two US Navy Ships Arrive in Phuket With 5,109 Personnel

Two US Navy vessels carrying a combined 5,109 personnel have arrived in Phuket for a six-day visit from October 4 to October 9, with security and transport arrangements in place around Phuket Deep Sea Port.

The visiting ships are the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77), carrying about 4,820 personnel, and the destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG-119), with approximately 289 personnel on board.

During the visit, US Navy personnel are expected to come ashore for rest and tourism activities in Phuket.

USS George H.W. Bush is anchored offshore approximately 1.78 nautical miles, or about 3.3 kilometres, from Phuket Deep Sea Port in Wichit, Mueang Phuket district.

Fourteen transport boats are being used to move personnel between the two warships and the Phuket shoreline.

Security measures around the port were strengthened on October 4 ahead of the planned shore movements.

Police and military personnel were deployed in the area, while sniffer dogs were used to inspect the surroundings.

The US Navy has also established a coordination point and set up tents to support personnel coming ashore.

Phuket harbour master Adul Ruekmul and officials from relevant agencies were present at the port to coordinate preparations, including marine traffic, transportation and security arrangements.

The Phuket Regional Marine Office is overseeing vessel movements around the port and working with other agencies to ensure that the 14 transport boats can safely transfer personnel between the ships and shore.

Both vessels are expected to remain off Phuket until October 9.