Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group Departs Thailand

A Longstanding Partnership

The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group recently concluded a five-day port visit to Laem Chabang, Thailand, departing on January 31, 2025. This visit underscores the enduring partnership between the United States and Thailand, which has flourished for over 190 years. As one of the U.S.’s five treaty allies in the Indo-Pacific region, Thailand remains a pivotal security partner and leader in Southeast Asia. Strengthening ties through such engagements ensures continued cooperation and shared commitment to regional stability. 

Recognizing the Importance of Collaboration

Rear Adm. Michael Wosje, commander of Carrier Strike Group ONE, expressed gratitude to Thailand for hosting the team. He emphasized that such port visits highlight the vital importance of the U.S.-Thailand alliance and partnership, contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The two nations’ shared history, interests, and values continue to unite them for the mutual benefit of both countries. These interactions reinforce the strategic cooperation necessary to maintain security in the region. 

Strengthening Cultural and Community Engagement

During their stay, nearly 7,500 Carrier Strike Group ONE Sailors engaged in cultural exchanges, community relations events, and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation-sponsored tours. These activities enhanced cultural understanding and cooperation between the two countries. Capt. Matthew Thomas, commanding officer of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), thanked the people of Laem Chabang and Pattaya City for their warm hospitality. He noted that the port visit allowed sailors to recharge and prepare for the next phase of their mission, which was to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. The commitment to the U.S.-Thai friendship remains strong, with anticipation for future opportunities to strengthen this bond. 

The Strategic Composition of the Strike Group

The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group comprises USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), the embarked staffs of Carrier Strike Group ONE and Destroyer Squadron ONE, Carrier Air Wing TWO, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110). Carrier Air Wing TWO includes nine squadrons flying various aircraft, including the F-35C Lightning II, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growler, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, CMV-22 Osprey, and MH-60R/S Seahawks. This powerful fleet enhances security efforts while ensuring operational readiness to support regional allies and partners. 

Commitment to Regional Security and Future Cooperation

As the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group operates in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, it routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The U.S. remains committed to promoting military-to-military relations and advancing interoperability and coordination with the Royal Thai Armed Forces to promote regional security and stability. U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, Robert F. Godec, expressed appreciation for the visit, reinforcing the excellent relations between Thailand and the United States and their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Future visits are anticipated to continue strengthening this partnership. 

Looking Ahead to Stronger Relations

The recent port visit by the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group to Thailand exemplifies the enduring alliance between the United States and Thailand. Through shared history, interests, and values, both nations continue to work together to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. As future collaborations develop, the commitment to this partnership remains steadfast, promising continued mutual benefits and strengthened ties.

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