THE DESTROYER USS Gridley anchors off Phuket tomorrow, the first of a number of warships that are expected to arrive for liberty leave on Phuket that include the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.

Hotel and restaurant bookings in Patong and in Phuket City indicate the Reagan and its battle group, the USS Chancellorsville and the USS Preble, are on the horizon.

Local interest will centre on the behavior of taxi drivers who have in the past organised public protests when US warships and passenger liners have failed to deliver enough customers to them.

US Navy personnel are always offered free shuttle transport from Phuket's deep sea port on the east coast to Patong on the west coast. Those who wish to catch taxis are welcome to do so, say US security officials.

A number of visits by Patong community leaders are expected to be made to the US vessels. About 8000 visitors are expected, contributing up to $1 million dollars a day to Phuket's economy and extending the high-season for tour operators, restaurants, hotels and bars.

The USS Reagan has been serving as a floating platform for relief efforts in the wake of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in north-east Japan.

Damage at the Fukushima nuclear power plant forced the aircraft-carrier to relocate to avoid a radioactive plume.

The plume irradiated 17 crew on three helicopters, and the aircraft carrier underwent a radiation decontamination process in which all decks and other exposed surfaces were washed down.

Phuket's hard-working Thailand Southern seaboard Council Navy League will be into overtime in organising welcoming parties and charitable community activities.