US aircraft carrier Nimitz arrives in Thailand

Asia-Pacific, News April 26, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Nimitz arrived at Laem Chabang Port just north of Pattaya in Thailand on April 24 as part of the Nimitz Strike Group visit that aims to strengthen the U.S.-Thai security partnership.

The U.S. Navy Nimitz Carrier Strike Group includes the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73) and USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108). USS Nimitz is the oldest-serving U.S. commissioned aircraft carrier in the world.

The Nimitz Strike Group is currently on a scheduled visit to Thailand from April 24-29, 2023, as part of its routine deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. This strike group is led by Rear Admiral Christopher Sweeney, Commander of Carrier Strike Group 11.

A very warm welcome to @USPacificFleet Nimitz Carrier Group to 🇹🇭. The visit will strengthen 🇺🇸🇹🇭security partnership & people-to-people ties. U.S. Sailors will have the opportunity to explore Thai culture & participate in community projects. #FriendsPartnersAllies #190ThaiUS… pic.twitter.com/cFrHj1E8J7
— Ambassador Robert F. Godec (@USAmbThailand) April 24, 2023

During the visit, the Strike Group flagship USS Nimitz will host a reception to commemorate the 190th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the United States. The visit also allows the U.S. Sailors to participate in professional engagements and community relations projects. “U.S. Navy port visits are an opportunity to strengthen the U.S.-Thai security partnership and advance people-to-people ties” according to a statement by U.S. Embassy in Thailand.

The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) departed Bremerton, Washington, for a routine deployment in November 2022. Over the course of the mission, the strike group has engaged in several joint and integrated training operations and made multiple port visits with partners and allies across the region. Most recently, during April 3-4, the strike group participated in a trilateral maritime exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Republic of Korea Navy in the East China Sea.

As part of the U.S. Navy‘s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet in the 7th fleet, the Nimitz Strike Group routinely interacts and collaborates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. With 50-70 ships and submarines, 150 aircraft, and over 27,000 Sailors and Marines, the Seventh Fleet is a vital component of U.S. presence in the region.

Sailors aboard USS Nimitz — ^A^{U.S. Navy Sailor prepares to launch F/A-18F Super Hornet from the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) on Feb. 23, 2023, in the Philippine Sea. (Image Credit: U.S. Navy)}

Recently, Nimitz became the first active U.S. Navy carrier to successfully complete its 350,000th arrested aircraft landing while sailing in the South China Sea. This milestone was accomplished after nearly 48 years. Capt. Craig Sicola, commanding officer of Nimitz, and Cmdr. Luke Edwards, commanding officer of the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, attained this feat as they piloted the landing in F/A-18F Super Hornet from VFA 22 on April 22, 2023.