UDONTHANI, Thailand -- With various evolutions and training scenarios completed, Marines and Sailors from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni concluded exercises in Cobra Gold '04 recently.
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251, Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 and Marine Aircraft Group 12 deployed here May 13 to participate in the annual multilateral training exercise.
"We were all excited and prepared to take on any challenges this deployment had to offer," said Lt. Col. Thomas S. Clark, VMFA-251 commanding officer.
Not only did the Marines and Sailors work hand in hand with the United States Air Force and Army, but also with the Armed Forces of Thailand, Philippines, Mongolia and Singapore for the exercise.
The 23rd annual Cobra Gold exercise spread throughout Thailand to include Korat, Pitsanulok, Sattahip and Utapao.
According to the Cobra Gold '04 Combined Joint Information Bureau, Cobra Gold is an ongoing series of U.S.-Thai military exercises designed for the assurance of provincial peace through the U.S. Pacific Command's strategy of cooperative engagement, and strengthens the ability of the Royal Thai Armed Forced to defend Thailand.
"Being that this is the first time Marines were training in Udonthani, this was a very important exercise and a key factor for the military," said Maj. Gen. John F. Goodman, 1st Marine Air Wing commanding general.
"This was one of the most important places to be in establishing, building and enhancing our relationship with the Thai government," added Goodman. "Udonthani is an excellent place for Marines to train as well. It's good training and it prepares us for combat."
Cobra Gold '04 included joint-combined land and air operations, combined naval operations, amphibious operations and special operations. This exercise also provided constructive benefits to the people of Thailand through combined U.S.-Thai medical and civil affairs projects.
Part of the training that went on in Udonthani was the flying of F/A-18D planes.
"We did some low altitude training and many other exercises. We looked forward to flying through these unique ranges. We took full advantage of the land and had some good training," said Clark, who thought the exercise as a whole was a success.
Approximately 13,500 U.S. service members and over 6,000 Royal Thai service members participated in this year's exercise.