USS George H.W. Bush stops in Thailand after unannounced departure from Middle East

USS George H.W. Bush arrived in the popular tourist town of Phuket. The carrier was accompanied by the destroyer USS Delbert D. Black.

USS George H.W. Bush arrived in the popular tourist town of Phuket on Sunday. The carrier was accompanied by the destroyer USS Delbert D. Black. Nimitz-class aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush arrives in Phuket, Thailand, Oct. 4, 2026. (U.S. Navy) For the second time in two months, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier has stopped in Thailand for a port call on its way out of the Iran conflict zone in the Middle East. USS George H.W. Bush arrived in the popular tourist town of Phuket on Sunday, according to the U.S. embassy in Bangkok and the 7th Fleet. The carrier was accompanied by the destroyer USS Delbert D. Black.

Thai media over the weekend showed some of the more than 4,500 sailors and Marines from the carrier in Phuket on shore leave. “Our crew has performed exceptionally while underway, demonstrating discipline, resilience and unity,” Capt. Justin T. Issler, Bush’s commanding officer, said in a statement. “This port visit provides a well-earned opportunity for our sailors to rest while reflecting on the professionalism they bring to every mission.” Bush’s departure from the Arabian Sea was not announced by Central Command or the 5th Fleet, which directs Navy ships in the area where U.S. and Israeli forces have been fighting Iran and their Houthi proxies from Yemen. USS Abraham Lincoln visited Thailand