U.S. Marine F/A-18D Hornets trained alongside Royal Thai Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, F-5 Tiger II and L-39 Albatross aircraft in the vicinity of Nakhon Ratchasima, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 19.
The U.S. Marine F/A-18Ds from the Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, trained with their RTAF counterparts to enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency and demonstrate the U.S.’ continued commitment to its Thai allies during Cobra Gold 2013.
Lessons learned during the training enhanced bilateral interoperability, reinforced standardized procedures, and gave U.S.
Marine Corps and RTAF service members the unique opportunity to train with aircraft that they do not operate with on a daily basis.
Furthering CG 13 interoperability and training objectives by preparing for a downed aircrew scenario, Thai and U.S. service members also conducted tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel training in Nakhon Ratchasima today.
Focusing on integration within a joint environment, participants in the tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel training discussed local hazards, addressed shared concerns, and formulated joint plans. Ultimately, pilots participating in the exercise learned about safely navigating through fields in the local area and finding a designated landing zone for pickup.
In addition to the aviation training, Navy personnel conducted dive training and U.S. soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, trained for the upcoming combined live-fire exercise scheduled for later in the week. In addition, Cobra Gold participants from several nations participated in community relations projects throughout Thailand. Finally, another completed school building was dedicated today as part of the humanitarian and civic assistance projects during Cobra Gold.
In its 32nd iteration, CG 13 is designed to advance regional security and ensure effective response to regional crises by exercising a robust multinational force from nations sharing common goals and security commitments in the Asia-Pacific region.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, February 20, 2013