The aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush is back in the Middle East, supporting the U.S. war against Iran after its first port stop in more than six months at sea.
The Norfolk-based carrier arrived in Phuket, Thailand, on Oct. 4 for a five day port visit. The crew of nearly 5,000 sailors were provided tours and attended a U.S. vs. Thailand soccer match before leaving last Friday. It was the ship’s first port visit since leaving Norfolk on March 31, according to the U.S. State Department.
USS Bush has been in the Middle East supporting the U.S. war against Iran. USS Bush had been out to sea for more than six months without a break. The Navy released photos Wednesday showing he carrier is now back in the Arabian Sea.
“The Sailors and I had an amazing time in this beautiful country, and I sincerely thank the people of Thailand for their incredible welcome,” said Capt. Justin T. Issler, commanding officer of USS Bush, in a release. “We are grateful to our Thai allies for hosting us, and we look forward to continuing our mission.”
Navy officials will not comment on whether the carrier’s deployment is being extended. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle has warned sailors to expect deployments that may last close to a year.
USS Abraham Lincoln returned to San Diego last week after breaking a record, set during the COVID era, for the longest deployment without a port visit for a U.S. carrier. U.S. bases in the Middle East region were struck by Iran beginning early in the war. The Navy continues to have a more difficult time supplying ships. The threat of attacks has also left ships few places to make port.
The crew managed shortages of food supplies and food and struggled with mental health concerns, including eight suicide attempts among USS Lincoln’s carrier strike group.
The carrier USS George Washington is also in the region and the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group is also headed toward the Arabian Sea from San Diego.
