US carrier strike group returns to Thailand after three-year hiatus

After a three-year gap, the US carrier strike group marked its return to Thailand yesterday, as it anchored at Laem Chabang for a routine port visit. The group, led by its flagship, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, last visited the Southeast Asian nation in 2018. Along with the flagship, Carrier Air Wing 11 also made its appearance.

Accompanying the flagship and Carrier Air Wing 11, ships from Destroyer Squadron 23, including the USS Russell, USS Daniel K Inouye, USS Halsey, and USS Howard, graced the Sri Racha port.

Carrier Strike Group Nine’s commander, Rear Admiral Christopher Alexander, expressed his gratitude towards the Thai people for their hospitality.

“We have had several opportunities to meet, train and operate with allies and partners across the region during this deployment, and we look forward to this chance to strengthen the long-standing friendship between the US Navy and Thailand.”

During their stay, other than community service events on the itinerary, the crew members of the USS Theodore Roosevelt and other vessels from the strike group will get an opportunity to explore Thailand.

The visit also allows Thai-American crew members to visit and reconnect with their families.

Captain Brian Schrum, the commanding officer of the vessel, expressed the crew’s excitement to return to Thailand.

“Our crew looks forward to learning about Thailand’s rich history and building lasting friendships during their time here, and we thank the Thai people for their kindness and hospitality in welcoming us.”

Following its departure from San Diego for a routine deployment to the Western Pacific on January 12, this visit marks a significant event in Carrier Strike Group Nine’s itinerary, reported by Bangkok Post.

On similar news regarding US and Thai relations, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo promised investment in Thailand’s manufacturing sector to ramp up global semiconductor production.

Raimondo, who spoke at an event in Bangkok hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce, asserted that Thailand stood to benefit significantly from increased US investment in semiconductor production, stating that American firms were poised to supercharge their investments in the nation.