Cobra Gold 2010 kicks off in Thailand

By USARPAC Public Affairs OfficeFebruary 1, 2010

Cobra Gold 2010 Opening Ceremony
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

UTAPAO, Thailand -- Cobra Gold 2010, the annual combined, joint exercise featuring armed forces of United States, Thailand and more than 20 other nations began Feb. 1, in Thailand's eastern province of Rayong.

Singapore, Japan and Indonesia are participating in the three-week training exercise, the largest of its type in the world. South Korea is also participating for the first time.

About 11,500 personnel, including 6,000 from the U.S., will take part.

U.S. Ambassador Eric G. John described Cobra Gold, in its 29th year, as "an important symbol of U.S. military commitment to maintaining peace and security in Asia," during the opening ceremonies.

Multilateral peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief responses are the focus of the exercise.