U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Travels to Thailand, Attends Opening of Cobra Gold Exercise

28 February 2023

From Courtesy U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Public Affairs

BANGKOK, Thailand - Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, traveled to Thailand Feb. 27-28, 2023 to demonstrate the strength of the U.S.-Thailand alliance and U.S. commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.

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Adm. Chris Aquilino, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, addresses the audience alongside leaders and representatives from participating nations during the opening ceremony of Exercise Cobra Gold 2023 at Utapao International Airport, Ban Chang district, Rayong province, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 28, 2023. Cobra Gold, now in its 42nd year, is a Thai-U.S. co-sponsored training event that builds on the longstanding friendship between the two allied nations and brings together a robust multinational force to promote regional peace and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Abrey Liggins)

During his visit, Aquilino attended the opening ceremony for Cobra Gold 2023, the largest joint exercise in mainland Asia that demonstrates U.S. and Thai resolve to respond together to future challenges, ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region where all nations can prosper.

“For the past 42 years, Thailand and the United States have held exercise Cobra Gold, the largest joint exercise in mainland Asia, to advance our common interests and prepare our militaries for future challenges,” said Aquilino. “It’s an honor to be part of this robust multinational force dedicated to promoting our shared goals and security commitments in the Indo-Pacific.”

Service members, key leaders, and representatives from participating nations attend the opening ceremony of Exercise Cobra Gold at Utapao International Airport, Ban Chang district, Rayong province, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 28, 2023. Cobra Gold, now in its 42nd year, is a Thai-U.S. co-sponsored training event that builds on the longstanding friendship between the two allied nations and brings together a robust multinational force to promote regional peace and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Adeline Witherspoon)

In Cobra Gold 23, the U.S. military will employ 5th generation aircraft, amphibious assault forces, airborne assault forces, and special operations forces to conduct integrated operations across the land, sea, air and space.

Aquilino met with Thailand’s Royal Thai Armed Forces Chief of Defence Gen. Chalermphon Srisawasdi, and Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Songwit Noonpackdee to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to security, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

Service members from participating nations attend the opening ceremony of Exercise Cobra Gold at Utapao International Airport, Ban Chang district, Rayong province, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 28, 2023. Cobra Gold, now in its 42nd year, is a Thai-U.S. co-sponsored training event that builds on the longstanding friendship between the two allied nations and brings together a robust multinational force to promote regional peace and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Adeline Witherspoon)

The partnership between the United States and Thailand has grown for 190 years and will expand further as the countries approach their bicentennial of cooperation.