#040/08 May 21, 2008

Cobra Gold 2008 Concludes

The 27th annual Cobra Gold exercise, a joint and combined multi-national military exercise hosted by the Kingdom of Thailand, concluded today in Moungkom, Lopburi Province.  This year participating countries included Japan, Singapore, Indonesia and the United States.  

Cobra Gold 2008 opened on May 8 and consisted of computer-simulated command post exercise, field training exercises, and humanitarian/civic assistance projects. 

Speaking at the closing ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Eric G. John said, “Cobra Gold is a vital tool not just to enhance U.S.-Thai relations, but also to strengthen our bonds with other countries in the region.  Thanks to all of your efforts, Cobra Gold remains a mark of our combined commitment to regional stability in Southeast Asia.”

The cataclysmic landfall of Cyclone Nargis, which struck Burma on May 2, had a profound effect on Cobra Gold 2008.  Thanks to the extraordinary support of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, U.S. military assets were able to participate in Cobra Gold, while preparing humanitarian relief operations at the same time.  To date, more than thirty flights of U.S. C-130 aircraft have flown from the Royal Thai Navy Airbase, Utapao to Rangoon to deliver plastic sheeting, water containers, hygiene kits and food.  The United States has 8,000 service members and four Naval Ships now in international waters off the coast of Burma ready to help when requested by the Government of Burma. 

For more information on DOD operations, contact Lt. Col. Jeffrey Blau at 087-058-8180 or Lt. Col. Douglas Powell at 087-809-0894 or contact the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section, Ms. Bussabonglahwan Pattaro at 02-205-4418.