https://www.marforpac.marines.mil U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific News RSS Feed en-us Fri, 24 Feb 2017 20:09:00 GMT Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:10:18 GMT https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/1094721/multipurpose-room-dedication-draws-cobra-gold-conclusion-seals-international-ti/ U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand Glyn T. Davies, along with Indian Ambassador to the<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2017/Feb/24/2001703788/115/75/0/170223-N-WI365-023.JPG' alt='NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE, Thailand (Feb. 23, 2017) -- The Ban Non Lueam school expansion project is the result of the joint efforts of Multi-National Forces from the U.S., Thailand, India and China, part of Cobra Gold 2017. Cobra Gold, in its 36th iteration, is the largest Theater Security Cooperation exercise in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. This year’s focus is to advance regional security and ensure effective responses to regional crises by bringing together a robust multinational force to address shared goals and security commitments in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. ' /> <br /> Fri, 24 Feb 2017 20:09:00 GMT Petty Officer 2nd Class Marc Castaneda https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/1094721/multipurpose-room-dedication-draws-cobra-gold-conclusion-seals-international-ti/ CG-2016 https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/1089604/nations-practice-non-combatant-evacuations-at-cobra-gold-17/ What would you do if you were in a foreign country in the wake of a devastating natural disaster? On<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2017/Feb/21/2001702196/115/75/0/170219-M-ZI433-006.JPG' alt='Service members from the U.S., Thailand, and Malaysia guard the processing center for a noncombatant evacuation operation, as part of Cobra Gold 17 at Naval Airbase Utapao, Thailand, Feb. 19, 2017. The drill was conducted to exercise joint, multinational cooperation during disaster relief. Cobra Gold is the largest Theater Security Cooperation exercise in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and is an integral part of the U.S. commitment to strengthen engagement in the region. U.S., Thai, Malaysian and Japanese forces participated in the disaster relief drill.' /> <br /> Tue, 21 Feb 2017 20:32:00 GMT Sgt. Matthew Sissel https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/1089604/nations-practice-non-combatant-evacuations-at-cobra-gold-17/ CG-2016 https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/1089593/the-only-buddhist-chaplain-in-the-department-of-the-navy/ Walking along a beach road in Thailand, 13-year-old Aroon Seeda, a novice monk, carries his food<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2017/Feb/21/2001702128/115/75/0/170214-Z-HN317-0030.JPG' alt='U.S. Navy Reserve Chaplain Aroon Seeda reunites with his primary school teacher Mrs. Pairor Sa-ngiemrat after more than 30 years during a visit to Wat Sam Nakkaton school on Feb. 14 near Sattahip, Thailand by U.S. service members for exercise Cobra Gold 2017. The Thai-U.S. co-sponsored exercise represents the longstanding friendship between the Thai and American people and their commitment to work together in support of peace and security in the region.' /> <br /> Tue, 21 Feb 2017 20:30:00 GMT Sgt. Matthew Sissel https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/1089593/the-only-buddhist-chaplain-in-the-department-of-the-navy/ CG-2016 https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/1084530/cobra-gold-2017-officially-kicks-off-in-thailand/ Multi-National Forces from 29 nations were in attendance during the official opening ceremony of the largest Theater Security Cooperation exercise in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, Cobra Gold 2017, held at Sattahip, Thailand on February 14th. <br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2017/Feb/15/2001700116/115/75/0/170214-N-WI365-446.JPG' alt='U.S. Pacific Command Commander Adm. Harry Harris, Thai Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Surapong Suwana-adth and U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand Glyn Davies, along with multinational representatives pose for a photo during the official opening ceremony of Cobra Gold 2017. Cobra Gold, in its 36th iteration, is the largest Theater Security Cooperation exercise in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. This year’s focus is to advance regional security and ensure effective responses to regional crises by bringing together a robust multinational force to address shared goals and security commitments in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda/Released)' /> <br /> Tue, 14 Feb 2017 05:00:00 GMT Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Marc Castaneda https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/1084530/cobra-gold-2017-officially-kicks-off-in-thailand/ CG-2016 https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/657568/31st-meu-mechanics-keep-green-machine-afloat/ The United States Marine Corps is known for its amphibious nature, which is supported in part by the<br/> Thu, 18 Feb 2016 03:38:00 GMT Lance Cpl. Carl King https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/657568/31st-meu-mechanics-keep-green-machine-afloat/ CG-2016 Joint Operations https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/657566/cobra-gold-16-noncombatant-evacuation-preparation/ U.S., Royal Thai, Malaysian and Japanese services practice noncombatant evacuation operations during<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2016/Feb/17/2001343340/115/75/0/160217-M-IU904-621.JPG' alt='Japanese observers tour and examine a MV-22 Osprey during a noncombatant evacuation demonstration as part of exercise Cobra Gold 16 at Utapao, Thailand, February 17, 2016. U.S. Marines put an Osprey on static display during the demonstration while partner nations exercised their own evacuation capabilities. The Osprey provides a longer flight range and a bigger capacity for supplies compared to traditional helicopters, but allows service members to access smaller areas compared to traditional fixed-wing aircraft. Cobra Gold, in its 35th iteration, is a multi-national exercise designed to advance regional security and ensure effective responses to regional crises by bringing together a robust combined task force from partner nations sharing common goals and security commitments in the Asia-Pacific region. The Osprey is with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.' /> <br /> Wed, 17 Feb 2016 13:31:00 GMT Cpl. William Hester https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/657566/cobra-gold-16-noncombatant-evacuation-preparation/ CG-2016 Joint Operations https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/656700/trap-never-leave-a-marine-behind/ A TRAP, or tactical recovery of aircraft personnel, mission is when a team of service members<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2016/Feb/16/2001343260/115/75/0/160215-M-QX145-001.JPG' alt='Pfc. Silvia Munozgarcia makes a radio call during the Cobra Gold 16 scenario-based training of the tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel at Utapao, Thailand February 15. Practicing TRAP missions allows the TRAP force to have the experience to respond quickly and accurately if an evacuation is needed. Cobra Gold is designed to advance interoperability, and increase capacity to plan and conduct combined task force to respond rapidly and effectively to regional crises. Munozgarcia, from San Francisco, California, is a radio operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.' /> <br /> Mon, 15 Feb 2016 05:00:00 GMT Lance Cpl. Jessica Etheridge https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/656700/trap-never-leave-a-marine-behind/ CG-2016 Joint Operations https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/655915/indo-asia-pacific-nations-work-together-in-preparation-for-disasters/ A multitude of Indo-Asian Pacific nations’ militaries and civilian organizations gathered during<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2016/Feb/12/2001342731/115/75/0/160211-M-BX631-037.JPG' alt='Members and participants of the Exercise Cobra Gold 16 Medical Symposium pose for one last group photo Feb. 12 at the K.P. Grand Hotel, Chanthaburi, Thailand. The symposium, Feb. 9-12, focused on the exchange of knowledge and techniques about humanitarian assistance disaster response. The main goal of the symposium was to raise the level of awareness, understanding, and methods for mitigation and prevention of new and emerging disease threats.' /> <br /> Fri, 12 Feb 2016 05:19:00 GMT Staff Sgt. Jose O. Nava https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/655915/indo-asia-pacific-nations-work-together-in-preparation-for-disasters/ CG-2016 Joint Operations https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/655202/ashland-sailors-volunteer-with-special-needs-children/ Sailors and Marines assigned to amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) volunteered at the<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2016/Feb/11/2001342456/115/75/0/160207-N-RM689-001.JPG' alt='160207-N-RM689-536 SATTAHIP, Thailand (Feb. 7, 2016) - Lt. Shawn Callihan, assigned to amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), plays a hand game with children who attend Baan Kru Boonchoo for Special Children during a volunteering event. Ashland is assigned to the Bonhomme Richard Ready Group, and is participating in exercise Cobra Gold 16, a Thai- U.S. co-sponsored multinational joint exercise designed to advance regional security by exercising a robust multinational force from nations sharing common goals and security commitments in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.' /> <br /> Wed, 10 Feb 2016 05:00:00 GMT Seaman Kelsey Adams https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/655202/ashland-sailors-volunteer-with-special-needs-children/ CG-2016 Joint Operations https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/652604/the-amphibious-culture-continues/ The Marine Corps’ amphibious landings in the Pacific during WWII will forever mark the organization<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2016/Feb/09/2001341350/115/75/0/160129-M-MO883-150.JPG' alt='A Marine with Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to secure an AAV-P7/A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicle to the well-deck of the USS Ashland (LSD 48) Jan. 29, 2016, at White Beach, Okinawa, Japan. The Marines loaded their AAVs onto the Ashland before departing for the MEU&#39;s spring deployment. The spring deployment is a regularly scheduled deployment designed to support PACOM&#39;s theater security cooperation initiatives to promote goodwill, and strengthen allied relationships. ' /> <br /> Tue, 09 Feb 2016 13:24:00 GMT Gunnery Sgt. Ismael Pena https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/652604/the-amphibious-culture-continues/ CG-2016 Joint Operations https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/652634/uss-ashland-participates-in-thai-us-exercise/ Amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) pulled into Sattahip, Thailand Feb.5 to kick off<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2016/Feb/08/2001340964/115/75/0/160205-N-RM689-232.JPG' alt='160205-N-RM689-232 SATTAHIP, Thailand (Feb. 05, 2016)- Cmdr. Daniel P. Duhan, left, commanding officer of amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), greets members of the Royal Thailand Navy during a tour. Ashland is assigned to the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, and is participating in exercise Cobra Gold 16, a Thai-U.S. co-sponsored multinational joint exercise designed to advance regional security by exercising a robust multinational force from nations sharing common goals and security commitments in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. ' /> <br /> Sun, 07 Feb 2016 05:00:00 GMT Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kelsey L. Adams https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/652634/uss-ashland-participates-in-thai-us-exercise/ CG-2016 Joint Operations https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/652638/bonhomme-richard-arg-embarks-31st-meu/ The Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) wrapped up its onload of the 31st Marine<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2016/Feb/09/2001341449/115/75/0/160206-N-IK388-006.JPG' alt='160206-N-IK388-006 NAKAGUSUKU BAY, Japan (Feb. 6, 2016) – Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) departs White Beach Naval Facilities after completing an onload of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Bonhomme Richard is the lead ship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group and is participating in amphibious integration training (AIT) and a certification exercise (CERTEX) with the embarked 31st MEU.' /> <br /> Sat, 06 Feb 2016 05:00:00 GMT Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Stacy M. Atkins Ricks https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/652638/bonhomme-richard-arg-embarks-31st-meu/ CG-2016 Joint Operations https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/649771/cobra-gold-participants-help-build-better-community/ Members of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, U.S. Army and Indonesian National Armed Forces worked beside<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2016/Feb/04/2001340117/115/75/0/160202-M-BX631-031.JPG' alt='Indonesian Air Force Chief Private Imam Sugiri, with the Engineering Brigade, IAF, cutes rebar as U.S. Army Private 2nd Class James Garcia, with 797th Engineer Company, Vertical, U.S. Army Reserve Center Barrigada, Guam, holds the rebar during the Ban Phromnimit construction project Feb. 2, at Sakeao, Thailand. The construction at Ban Phromnimit is one of six HCA sites in which the Thai, U.S. and partner nation’s militaries will work together on civic programs during Cobra Gold 2016. Cobra Gold, in its 35th iteration, demonstrates the commitment of the Kingdom of Thailand and the U.S. to our long-standing alliance and regional partnership toward advancing prosperity and security in the Asia-Pacific region.' /> <br /> Thu, 04 Feb 2016 07:53:00 GMT Staff Sgt. Jose O. Nava https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/649771/cobra-gold-participants-help-build-better-community/ CG-2016 Joint Operations https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/648132/three-nations-armies-improve-local-thai-school/ Royal Thai Army, U.S. Army and Indian Army soldiers worked alongside one another to construct a<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2016/Feb/02/2001339228/115/75/0/160130-M-BX631-006.JPG' alt='Indian Army Maj. Kuldeet Gautam, Bengal Engineering Group and Center, Corps of Engineers, Indian Army, is interviewed during the Ban Raj Bum Roong school construction project Jan. 30 at Lamsonthi, Kuttaphet, Thailand. The construction at Ban Raj Bum Roong is one of six HCA sites in which the Thai, U.S. and partner nation’s militaries will work together on civic programs during Cobra Gold 2016. Cobra Gold, in its 35th iteration, demonstrates the commitment of the Kingdom of Thailand and the U.S. to our long-standing alliance and regional partnership toward advancing prosperity and security in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Jose O. Nava/Released)' /> <br /> Tue, 02 Feb 2016 05:35:00 GMT Staff Sgt. Jose O. Nava https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/648132/three-nations-armies-improve-local-thai-school/ CG-2016 Joint Operations https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/648127/cobra-gold-partners-work-together-to-build-better-community/ Royal Thai Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force service members worked<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2016/Feb/01/2001339205/115/75/0/160127-M-BX631-006.JPG' alt='A member of the 105th Engineer Unit, Engineer Unit, North Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, watches as a Royal Thai Navy sailor pours water into a cement mixing cylinder Jan. 27, at the Ban Cham Kho humanitarian civic action site, Rayong, Thailand. The construction at Ban Cham Kho is one of six HCA sites in which the Thai, U.S. and partner nation’s militaries will work together on civic programs during Cobra Gold 2016. Cobra Gold, in its 35th iteration, demonstrates the commitment of the Kingdom of Thailand and the U.S. to our long-standing alliance and regional partnership toward advancing prosperity and security in the Asia-Pacific region.' /> <br /> Tue, 02 Feb 2016 03:39:00 GMT Staff Sgt. Jose O. Nava https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/648127/cobra-gold-partners-work-together-to-build-better-community/ CG-2016 https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/648121/us-thai-marines-build-school-together/ Royal Thai Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps service members worked together on the construction of<br/> <img src='https://media.defense.gov/2016/Jan/27/2001339204/115/75/0/160126-M-BX631-025.JPG' alt='U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cami Snider, a Westerville, Ohio native, welds a tress onto a support column as Royal Thai Marine Corps Seaman Class Chainarong Kaewyongkot observes Jan. 23 at the Watkhunsong humanitarian civic action site, Chanthaburi, Thailand. The construction at Watkhunsong is one of six HCA sites in which the Thai, U.S. and partner nation’s militaries will work together on HCA programs to support security and humanitarian interests of friends and partner nations during Cobra Gold 2016. The programs will improve the quality of life, as well as the general health and welfare of civilian residents in the exercise areas. Snider is a metal worker with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Kaewyongkot is with the Engineer Battalion, Marine Division, Royal Thai Navy.' /> <br /> Tue, 02 Feb 2016 03:19:00 GMT Staff Sgt. Jose O. Nava https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/648121/us-thai-marines-build-school-together/ CG-2016