WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
  • The USS George H.W. Bush arrived in Phuket after quietly departing the Middle East following months of operations connected to the war with Iran.
  • The carrier and USS Delbert D. Black began a scheduled port visit, giving sailors their first port stop of the deployment.
  • The carrier deployed from Norfolk on March 31 and supported operations in the Strait of Hormuz and Arabian Sea.
  • The departure leaves the USS George Washington as the only American aircraft carrier in the Middle East while USS Theodore Roosevelt approaches.

The USS George H.W. Bush arrived in Phuket, Thailand, on Sunday after quietly leaving the Middle East, where the aircraft carrier and its crew spent several months supporting the war with Iran. The arrival marks the carrier’s first port visit during the deployment.

The Navy’s 7th Fleet announced that the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black had begun a scheduled visit to Phuket. The fleet did not disclose how long the ships would remain in port.

“Our crew has performed exceptionally while underway, demonstrating discipline, resilience, and unity,” Capt. Justin T. Issler, the carrier’s commanding officer, said in a Navy statement. “This port visit provides a well-earned opportunity for our sailors to rest while reflecting on the professionalism they bring to every mission.”

Issler also highlighted the crew’s opportunity to visit Thailand and interact with the country’s maritime community. “We are honored to experience Thailand’s rich culture, engage with the local community, and strengthen our enduring relationship with our Thai maritime partners.”

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The carrier departed the Middle East without an announcement from U.S. Central Command or the Navy’s 5th Fleet that the ship and its supporting vessels were leaving the region. On Sept. 30, CENTCOM posted a photograph on social media showing the carrier in the Arabian Sea, although the source said it was unclear when the image was taken.

Local Thai media reported last week that the carrier would visit the country. Those reports cited police who had met with officials from the U.S. embassy in Thailand.

Image Credit: DoW
The USS George H.W. Bush sails the Mediterranean Sea during Juniper Oak 23-3, a bilateral exercise between the U.S. and Israeli militaries, Jan. 24, 2023.

The current composition of the carrier strike group includes the destroyers USS Mason, USS Ross and USS Donald Cook, according to the 7th Fleet. It was not immediately clear whether the remaining ships in the group would also stop at Phuket.

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The USS George H.W. Bush is the second American aircraft carrier to visit Thailand during the period described in the source. The USS Abraham Lincoln visited the country in early September, making its first port call since 2025.

Although the 7th Fleet did not announce the scheduled length of the latest port call, Thai media reported that the visit was expected to continue through Oct. 9. The stop gives the George H.W. Bush crew a break following months of operations connected to the conflict with Iran.

Image Credit: DoW
The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and the guided missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf sail with an Italian navy destroyer ITS Caio Duilio during operations in the Adriatic Sea, Sept. 19, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. 6th Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

The carrier left its home port in Norfolk, Virginia, on March 31 and deployed to the Middle East. It joined a large naval force that was already engaged with Iran.

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Direct fighting paused in April following a brief ceasefire, after which the carrier and its strike group supported a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. When fighting resumed in July, the ship became part of the American naval presence in the Arabian Sea supporting U.S. operations.

The carrier left the region after Iran and the United States traded attacks. Iranian missiles and drones targeted American bases in Jordan, along with at least one aircraft carrier operating in the Arabian Sea.

Nine Marines and 29 sailors were wounded in action in September, according to the Department of War’s casualty database. The USS George H.W. Bush was the third carrier sent to support the war effort and is now the third carrier to depart.

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Image Credit: DoW
An F/A-18F Super Hornet lands on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush while sailing in the Arabian Sea, May 26, 2026. (U.S. Navy)

The USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln both experienced extended periods at sea. The Ford left Europe to support operations against Venezuela last year before it was moved to the Middle East.

The Lincoln spent months at sea without making a port call, which led to reports of poor conditions, deteriorating morale and suicide attempts. The Navy confirmed last month that eight service members assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group attempted suicide.

It remains unclear whether the USS George H.W. Bush is returning to the United States or will remain in the Pacific. Its departure leaves the USS George Washington as the only American aircraft carrier in the Middle East.

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Image Credit: DoW
Sailors on the USS Delbert D. Black watch an F/A-18F land on the USS George H.W. Bush. Navy photo.

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The USS Theodore Roosevelt is traveling toward the region but is not expected to arrive within the immediate next few days. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, carrying sailors and Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, also deployed from San Diego last week.

The source said it was unclear how long the USS George Washington would remain after the Theodore Roosevelt arrives. For now, the George H.W. Bush and its crew are in Thailand following a quiet exit from months of Middle East operations.