US Navy carrier strike group visits Thailand, emphasises free and open Indo-Pacific

The US Navy‘s Nimitz Carrier Strike Group recently expressed readiness to operate in any region of the “free and open Indo-Pacific”, according to the spokesman for the group, which is currently visiting Thailand. The strike group commenced its 11-month patrol mission in the US 7th Fleet area of operations last November, participating in drills with Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines.

During the mission, the carrier strike group traversed disputed parts of the South China Sea without hindrance, emphasising its dedication to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. Although the group’s next destinations were not disclosed, the spokesman confirmed its intent to visit all areas within the region.

The USS Nimitz, nicknamed “the Old Salt” for being at sea for 48 years, carries nearly 5,000 crew members, 15% of whom are female. Commissioned on May 3, 1975, the carrier was named after Fleet Admiral Chester W Nimitz, who attained the highest rank in the US Navy as Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet during World War II.

The USS Nimitz stretches 1,092 feet long, 252 feet wide and 244 feet high, making it as tall as a 23-storey building. The carrier displaces 97,000 tonnes and operates using two nuclear reactors to provide virtually unlimited range and endurance, with a top speed of over 30 knots.

Having arrived in Thailand on Monday, the carrier strike group is scheduled to remain at the Laem Chabang port until Friday. Personnel have been granted shore leave in Pattaya and Chon Buri.

“We like to visit Thailand,” the spokesman said.

Alongside the Nimitz, the strike group was accompanied by the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur and USS Wayne E Meyer, and a squadron of F/A-18 combat aircraft.

US Ambassador to Thailand, Robert F Godec, spoke aboard the USS Nimitz on Wednesday. He said…

“Thailand is the oldest friend and ally of the United States in Asia. Our friendship spans two centuries, and we have accomplished so much together. This year, we are privileged to celebrate the 190th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations.”