The vessel, based in Guam and operating under the US Navy’s 7th Fleet, arrived earlier this week and left yesterday (Sept 4). The visit provided sailors with the chance to explore Phuket while strengthening US-Thai ties through volunteer work and local engagement.
“This was a long-anticipated port visit for our crew, and we are grateful for the warm welcome from the people of Phuket and opportunities to explore the local culture,” said Capt Mike Thompson, commanding officer of Frank Cable.
“Thailand has been a longstanding security partner to the US with our military ties dating back over 70 years. Our alliance has proven to be a staple in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” he added.
During the stopover, a group of sailors volunteered at the Phuket Sunshine Village, a foster home for children in need. They assisted with landscaping and renovation projects, aiming to improve facilities for the young residents. The initiative, according to the Navy, underscored the crew’s commitment to building goodwill with local communities, reported Petty Officer 1st Class Karri Langerman on board the USS Frank Cable.
On arrival, the ship’s crew posted on the vessel’s official Facebook page: “Our crew is excited to connect with our Thai hosts, and enjoy the beauty of Phuket while staying mission-ready at sea!”
The USS Frank Cable provides expeditionary maintenance, logistics and repair support to deployed submarines and surface vessels across the Indo-Pacific. Its mission supports the 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, in cooperation with allies and partners to maintain a “free and open Indo-Pacific”, Petty Officer Langerman noted in her report.
The visit of the USS Frank Cable coincided with ‘Thai Submarine Day’ (Sept 4), which commemorates the commissioning of Thailand’s first submarines in 1937. While the Royal Thai Navy’s Third Area Command at Cape Panwa made no formal mention of the US vessel, it did mark the anniversary with a report on the history of the nation’s submarine fleet, which was disbanded in 1951.
Separately, the Thai Navy’s Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 3 (Thai-MECC 3), based at Cape Panwa, conducted a passenger ship safety exercise on Wednesday (Sept 3) with the cruise liner ‘Genting Dream’ near Koh Racha Yai. The drill, involving the frigate HTMS Kraburi and a transport helicopter, tested readiness during the monsoon season and reinforced maritime safety protocols in the Andaman Sea.