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Sean K. O'Neill, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, Gen. Ukris Boontanondha, Chief of Defense Forces Thailand, and U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, the Commanding General of America’s First Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., render a salute at the opening ceremony of Exercise Cobra Gold in Rayong Province, Thailand, Feb. 24, 2026. The U.S. and Thailand host the 45th annual Cobra Gold from Feb. 24 to Mar. 6, with approximately 8,000 participants from 30 nations to engage in military training and humanitarian projects. The exercise strengthens regional partnerships and demonstrates U.S. commitment to Indo-Pacific security. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Christopher Chavero)