US carrier and destroyer due in Phuket with 5,000 sailors

More than 5,000 US military personnel are expected to arrive in Phuket next month when the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black make a port call.

The two US Navy ships are scheduled to be at Phuket Deep Sea Port in Wichit, Mueang Phuket district, from 4 to 9 October 2026. The visit will give personnel time ashore in one of Thailand's busiest tourist destinations.

The USS George H.W. Bush is expected to bring about 4,800 personnel, while around 320 personnel are aboard the USS Delbert D. Black.

Two ships due at Phuket Deep Sea Port

The USS George H.W. Bush, designated CVN-77, is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier based at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

At 333 metres long, the carrier can accommodate about 90 aircraft. Around 4,800 personnel are assigned to the ship and its embarked air wing.

Its accompanying vessel, the USS Delbert D. Black, is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer measuring about 155 metres in length. It carries air-defence and other weapons systems and is used for roles including carrier escort and wider maritime operations.

Both ships are part of the US Navy's current overseas operations. Fleet-tracking information shows the George H.W. Bush and Delbert D. Black operating with US naval forces during 2026.

Short-term boost for Phuket's visitor economy

For Phuket residents, expatriates and visitors, the port call is likely to mean a noticeable but short-term influx of sailors using hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and transport around the island during the five-day stay.

The Phuket stop follows another major US Navy visit to Thailand last month. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln called at Laem Chabang from 2 to 6 September, bringing more than 5,000 US personnel to the country, according to the information provided.

The two October visitors will now bring a similarly sized US naval presence to Phuket, where the crews are expected to spend time in the resort destination before the ships continue their overseas operations.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

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30 September 2026