Thai police officials tour USS George H.W. Bush during Phuket port call

Senior Thai police officials visited the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush in Phuket on 5 October 2026, as local authorities supported a US Navy port call involving more than 5,000 sailors and Marines.

Police Major General Prasai Chittasonthi, deputy commander of Police Region 8, and Police Major General Surachai Suksai, commander of Phuket Provincial Police, were welcomed aboard by Captain Justin T. Issler, the carrier’s commanding officer, according to Police Colonel Somsak Thongkliang, superintendent of Wichit Police Station.

The delegation toured key areas of the nuclear-powered Nimitz-class carrier and discussed shared operational perspectives with Captain Issler. They also received a briefing on the ship’s history. The carrier is named after George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States.

Police Lieutenant General Wimol Phithakburapha, commander of Police Region 8, assigned Police Major General Prasai to lead the visit. The tour formed part of the security and facilitation work being carried out by Police Region 8 and Phuket Provincial Police while the carrier and the guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black remain at anchor in Thai waters.

The two ships arrived off Phuket on 4 October and are scheduled to remain until 9 October. Local police are overseeing order and the movement of personnel between the ships and Phuket.

Travel by visiting personnel is expected to be mainly by bus or van. Motorcycle rentals and riding as motorcycle passengers are prohibited, the report said.

Phuket Governor Chotinarin instructed hotels, restaurants and tourism businesses to maintain strong service standards. He also directed agencies to inspect essential infrastructure, including electricity and water systems, and prepare for possible weather-related or other natural disruptions.