US Navy Sailors to Play Friendly Football Match Against Phuket Team

A friendly football match between a team of US Navy sailors and the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PPAO) team will take place on October 7 at Surakul Stadium. Admission will be free.

The PPAO said the match will bring together the U.S. Navy Team (CVN-77) and the Phuket Team (PPAO). The American side will consist of sailors serving aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77).

With around 5,000 personnel aboard the carrier, assembling a team of 11 players was not difficult. Sports and physical activities are also a regular part of life for crew members during deployments.

Match details

• Date: October 7

• Kick-off: 4pm

• Venue: Surakul Stadium

• Admission: Free

The PPAO described the event as a special friendly match aimed at strengthening ties between Phuket and US Navy personnel through sport. Local residents are invited to attend and support both teams.

The match will take place during the visit of two US Navy vessels to Phuket. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG-119) are scheduled to arrive at the deep-sea port at Cape Panwa on October 4–5.

The visit is expected to continue until October 10 and will include a range of joint social and charitable activities.

According to Patong Police, the aircraft carrier has around 4,800 sailors and other military personnel on board, while another 320 personnel are aboard the destroyer. More than 5,000 US military personnel are therefore expected to be in Phuket during the visit.

USS George H.W. Bush is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier capable of carrying more than 60 aircraft and helicopters. It serves as the flagship of the carrier strike group that bears its name.

The Nimitz-class carrier USS Nimitz also visited Phuket in the past, around 10–12 years ago.