Since its first iteration in 1982, Cobra Gold has cemented itself as the largest multinational military exercise in the Asia-Pacific region. While numerous countries were also participating, the exercise is primarily designed to strengthen ties and enhance military interoperability between the U.S. and Thailand.
VP-8, dispatched Combat Aircrew Seven (CAC-7) and a superior maintenance support team to partake in the exercises. The squadron was honored to demonstrate the P-8A Poseidon’s versatile capabilities, while operating from U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield. While the P-8A is normally employed as a Fleet support asset in the maritime environment, this year’s participation in Cobra Gold saw the sub-hunting and maritime platform utilized in overland Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
“Working with the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) provided us with an opportunity to integrate with an allied nation’s military to complete a variety of mission sets,” commented CAC-7 Mission Commander and Patrol Plane Commander LT Zachary Weaver.
The P-8A was assigned to provide support to a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) by identifying potential hostile targets on the ground, such as armored personnel carriers (APCs) and surface-to-air missile (SAM) sites. After the P-8A aircrew informed the JTAC of the targets, the JTAC would then coordinate Close Air Support (CAS) via other airborne assets, which further supported the safe movement of troops on the ground.
The “Fighting Tigers” were also able to demonstrate their exemplary proficiency in Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW), and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) during the Sea Surveillance Exercise (SEASURVEX).
CAC-7 crew members mission-planned with representatives from the RTN Squadron 102 and Squadron 302, which operate the Fokker F27-200 MAR and Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk. Mission planning enabled flawless execution by both U.S. and Thai forces conducting simulated air-to-surface missile coordination and prosecution of a simulated hostile target in the Gulf of Thailand. Several members of the Royal Thai Navy were also welcomed onboard a P-8A flight, to observe first-hand the capabilities of the aircraft and to exchange tactics, techniques, and procedures with CAC-7 personnel.
Members of the RTN weren’t the only guests hosted by VP-8. The “Fighting Tigers” also welcomed U.S. Congressman Dennis Heck for a comprehensive tour of the P-8A during his visit to Thailand.
Prior to their departure from Thailand, members of the detachment were eager to participate in local community engagement. The “Fighting Tigers” worked together with the dedicated staff of the Burapha English-Programme School of Thailand (B.E.S.T.), where they participated in a basketball game and enjoyed conversational interaction with students.
“It was good to see that our interactions with the students will have a positive impact on their lives, and that we were further able to foster good relations with the local community,” commented Chief Naval Aircrewman Clark Wallace.
The detachment concluded with a sports day hosted by the RTN 102 Squadron. The occasion consisted of members from both units participating in a soccer match, indulging in traditional Thai cuisine, and exchanging gifts as a testimony of commitment and friendship between the Allied nations.
Naval Aircrewman 2nd Class Warren Bio reflected, “The exercises were an eye-opening experience. It’s an unforgettable opportunity to work with our allies and understand each other’s capabilities and how we can work together both effectively and efficiently.”
Patrol Squadron EIGHT is currently deployed to the SEVENTH Fleet area of responsibility conducting theater and national level tasking in support of SEVENTH Fleet, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and U.S. Pacific Command.
| Date Taken: | 02.23.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 03.07.2018 23:38 |
| Story ID: | 268523 |
| Location: | TH |
| Web Views: | 122 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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