BANGKOK -- 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.
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.”
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.
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.