One of the world's largest and most powerful military ships — the USS Ronald Reagan — has arrived in Brisbane, with tourism bosses expecting thousands of American sailors on board to spend up big.

The 333-metre long ship, which is more than 20-storeys' high, docked in the capital this morning ahead of a joint military exercise between the US Navy and the Australian military.

Tourism Queensland Industry Council chief executive Daniel Gschwind said the 4,500 sailors on board were ready to let off some steam, but not necessarily in the stereotypical way.

A sailor speaks into the radio while arriving in Brisbane. ( Facebook: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) )

"Friendly visitors, eager to explore, pent-up demand to have a bit of relaxation and see a bit more of Queensland," he said.

"It's easy to expect they might spend up to $1,000 each.

"They will do dining, they will explore, go on day trips.

"The old stereotypes don't apply necessarily anymore — that they just come here for a drink.

"They use their Instagram accounts, they'll use their social media, they'll brag to their friends, we hope, about the great experience they have here and that has an impact."

The majority of the Talisman Sabre exercises will take place in the Shoalwater Bay Training area near Rockhampton. ( AAP: Yonhap News Agency )

Many of the sailors' families have also joined them for the visit.

Rachel Goodall, who flew in from Japan with her two daughters, said it was a difficult lifestyle but the family was looking forward to their weekend in Queensland.

"It's hard adjusting to the comings and goings every time, it doesn't really get easier," Ms Goodall said.

Locals captured a US aircraft carrier passing Bulcock Beach off the Sunshine Coast today. ( Supplied: Cade Mooney )

"We just make the most of whatever we can when we're together.

"The girls want to see koalas, so that's on top of their list."

The USS Ronald Reagan, the flagship of the US Navy, supports more than 60 combat aircraft and two nuclear reactors, providing enough energy to power a small city.

The war ship is an aircraft carrier, and supports 60 combat aircraft. ( Facebook: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) )

The ship cost $4.5 billion to build and $1 million a day to run.

The US Navy will be joining the Australian military in Queensland and in the Northern Territory for the biennial Talisman Sabre.

In Queensland, about 25,000 military personnel will train near Shoalwater Bay between July 11 and July 24.

Dozens of aircraft line the USS Ronald Reagan while docked in the Brisbane River. ( Facebook: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) )

Special beer on tap

Sam Richards from the Plough Inn in Brisbane's South Bank tourist area said the sailors usually came in droves.

Although he loves serving up Bundaberg rum, he said they will also have a special brew ready for the visitors.

"We've got the 'Hop Gun' on special, which is a play on the Top Gun [film], so it's aimed at sort of defence forces," he said.

"Expecting that to be a big seller."

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