U.S., Thailand, Singapore officials to begin Cope Tiger 2010

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U.S., Thailand, Singapore officials to begin Cope Tiger 2010
UNITED STATES - 24 FEBRUARY 2010

Aviation and ground units from the U.S. Air Force, the Republic of Singapore air force, and the Royal Thai Air Force and Army, will participate in the Cope Tiger 2010 field training exercise March 1 through 12 in Thailand.

Cope Tiger is an annual, multilateral, aerial force exercise conducted in the Asia-Pacific region that includes humanitarian and civic assistance programs. The exercise takes place at Korat and Udon Thani Royal Thai Air Force Bases in Thailand.

More than 1,600 people will participate in the exercise, including approximately 500 U.S. servicemembers and 1,100 servicemembers from Thailand and Singapore. The field training exercise includes a combined total of 120 aircraft and air defense units, 21 of which will be U.S. aircraft.

U.S. aircraft scheduled to participate in Cope Tiger 2010 includes the C-130 Hercules, A-10 Thunderbolt II, C-17 Globemaster III, E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning Control System, and F-15 Eagle.

Cope Tiger enhances combined readiness and interoperability, reinforces the U.S. commitment to the Asia-Pacific region, and demonstrates U.S. capability to project combined and joint forces strategically in a multilateral environment.

 

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Flying operations begin at Cope Tiger 2010
3 MARCH 2010

Cope Tiger 2010 flying operations began March 1 at Korat and Udon Thani Royal Thai Air Force Bases in Thailand.

Approximately 500 total force Airmen, along with members from the Royal Thai Air Force and Army, as well as the Republic of Singapore air force, are participating in the exercise March 1 through 12.

Cope Tiger enhances combined readiness and interoperability, reinforces the U.S. commitment to the Asia-Pacific region, and demonstrates U.S. capability to project combined and joint forces strategically in a multilateral environment.

An U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, departs Udon Thani Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, for a low-level airdrop March 1 as part of Cope Tiger 2010.

 

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Thai, U.S. airmen conduct personnel airdrop training
3 MARCH 2010

Airmen from the U.S. and Royal Thai Air Forces conducted personnel airdrop training from a C-17 Globemaster III here March 3 as part of Cope Tiger 2010.

More than 60 qualified jumpmasters from the U. S. Air Force and the Royal Thai Air Force Parachute Team completed three separate jumps near Bangkok, Thailand, as the first major activity of the Cope Tiger field training exercise.

Cope Tiger is an annual, multilateral aerial large force exercise conducted in Thailand that includes humanitarian and civic assistance programs. This year's exercise takes place primarily at Udon Thani and Korat Royal Thai Air Force Bases.

The mission marked the first time Thai personnel jumped out of a C-17 using a static line. In addition to the static-line jumps, U.S. and Thai airmen performed High Altitude-Low Opening jumps from the back end of the jet.

Master Sgt. John Gaona, deployed to Cope Tiger 2010 from the 18th Weather Squadron at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., said the mission was a huge success, highlighting the strong partnerships being built at Cope Tiger between the U.S., Thai and Singaporean participants.

"It's an honor to be involved in a multilateral event like this and have the opportunity to train with others that share your job," said Sergeant Gaona, a Floresville, Texas, native and qualified jumper.

Staff Sgt. Todd Tichawa, a loadmaster from 535th Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii, said he was glad to have been a part of the mission.

"I came to help coordinate some of the missions here, and it was a great opportunity to be part of the first-ever Royal Thai Air Force static-line jump from one of our C-17s," Sergeant Tichawa said.

Although the C-17 was from JB Pearl Harbor Hickam, the aircrew included pilots and loadmasters from Hickam and Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, as well as jumpmasters from Yokota Air Base, Japan; Eielson AFB, Alaska; JB Fort Lewis-McChord, Wash.; and Pope AFB.

Thai media gathered to watch the collaboration and interviewed several personnel from both nations on what they expected to learn at Cope Tiger.

"I'm really looking forward to all of the coordination with the Thai air force and completing more joint missions," said Capt. Kevin Jackson, deployed from the 517th Airlift Squadron at Elmendorf AFB.

The U.S. Air Force has more than 20 aircraft participating in the exercise, a balance of fighter aircraft and heavier aircraft known for carrying cargo and personnel.

The two air forces will also conduct humanitarian events during Cope Tiger 2010, to include providing dental and basic medical care, as well as much-needed school supplies, to local citizens.

Cope Tiger 2010 is a multilateral exercise involving the U.S. Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force and Army, and Republic of Singapore Air Force. U.S. participation is led by 13th Air Force at JB Pearl Harbor Hickam, on behalf of Pacific Air Forces.

Members of the Royal Thai Air Force Parachute team prepare to board a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from the 535th Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii, during Cope Tiger 2010 at Dom Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, March 3, 2010. The crew will conduct their first static jump from a C-17 while U.S. Air Force jumpmasters perform High Altitude Low Observance jumps from the aircraft as part of exercise Cope Tiger. Cope Tiger is a multilateral combined and joint command post and field training exercise involving the United States, Thailand and Singapore. The exercise is scheduled through March 12.



A member of the Royal Thai Air Force Parachute Team jumps from a C-17 Globemaster III during Cope Tiger 2010 at Dom Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, March 3, 2010. Cope Tiger is a multilateral, combined and joint command post and field training exercise involving the United States, Thailand and Singapore. The exercise takes place March 1-12.



Members of the U.S. Air Force and Royal Thai Air Force Parachute Team jump from the back of a C-17 Globemaster III during Cope Tiger 2010 at Dom Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, March 3, 2010. Cope Tiger is a multilateral, combined and joint command post and field training exercise involving the United States, Thailand and Singapore. The exercise takes place March 1-12.

 

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'Warthogs' take flight at Cope Tiger
5 MARCH 2010

Flying operations for the A-10 Thunderbolt IIs participating in Cope Tiger 2010 kicked-off with a four-ship training mission here March 4.

Cope Tiger is a multilateral, combined and joint command post and field training exercise involving the United States, Thailand and Singapore. This year's takes place at Korat and Udon Thani Royal Thai Air Force Bases March 1 to 12 in Thailand.

The four 'Warthogs,' as the A-10 is affectionately called, are based out of Osan Air Base, South Korea. They exercised a basic surface attack mission with simulated weapons at the Nam Phong Range in Thailand.

"It's an amazing opportunity to be able to participate in the exercise," said 1st Lt. Bennett Merriman, a pilot with the 25th Fighter Squadron at Osan AB. "We gain valuable training and have the opportunity to learn from one another."

This is not the first time the 25th FS has been to Thailand. In 1968, the squadron was stationed at Ubon and Udorn Royal Thai AFBs as the 25th Tactical Fighter Squadron and conducted combat operations in Vietnam.

Almost a decade later, the squadron was reassigned to Japan until 1981 and finally activated under the 51st Fighter Wing at Osan AB, where it resides today. The lieutenant said he was proud to carry on the squadron's tradition through events like Cope Tiger.

"The exercise allows our combined forces a way to develop multilateral interoperability and procedures," said Lieutenant Merriman, who is currently upgrading in combat search and rescue. "We are glad to participate with Thailand and Singapore in Cope Tiger."

Cope Tiger 2010 is a multilateral exercise involving the U.S. Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force and Army, and Republic of Singapore Air Force. U.S. participation is led by 13th Air Force at JB Pearl Harbor Hickam, on behalf of Pacific Air Forces.

U.S. Airmen from the 25th Aircraft Maintenance Unit at Osan Air Base, South Korea, discard the “remove before flight” streamers prior to an A-10 Thunderbolt II take-off at Udon Thani Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, on March 4, 2010. The Airmen are participating in the annual, multilateral field training exercise involving the U.S. Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force and Army, and the Republic of Singapore Air Force March 1-12.



U.S. Airmen from the 25th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base, South Korea, walk to their aircraft at Udon Thani Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, March 4, 2010, before conducting the first of several planned missions as part of Cope Tiger 2010. The Airmen are participating in the annual, multilateral field training exercise involving the U.S. Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force and Army, and the Republic of Singapore Air Force March 1-12.



Capt. Matthew Lackey secures his helmet prior to flying the first A-10 Thunderbolt II mission of Cope Tiger 2010 at Udon Thani Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, on March 4, 2010. Captain Lackey is deployed to the exercise from the 25th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base, South Korea. His squadron is participating in the annual, multilateral field training exercise involving the U.S. Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force and Army, and the Republic of Singapore Air Force March 1-12.



An A-10 Thunderbolt II taxis on the runway at Udon Thani Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, on March 4, 2010, as part of Cope Tiger 2010. Cope Tiger is an annual, multilateral field training exercise involving the U.S. Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force and Army, and the Republic of Singapore Air Force March 1-12.


A-10 Thunderbolt II crew chiefs and weapons loaders prepare their Osan Air Base, South Korea, jets for shutdown after their return from a Cope Tiger 2010 training mission at Udon Thani Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, on March 5, 2010. Cope Tiger is an annual, multilateral aerial large force exercise conducted in Thailand that includes humanitarian and civic assistance programs. This year's exercise takes place primarily at Udon Thani and Korat Royal Thai Air Force Bases.



An A-10 Thunderbolt II from Osan Air Base, South Korea, returns from a Cope Tiger 2010 training mission at Udon Thani Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, on March 5, 2010. Cope Tiger is an annual, multilateral aerial large force exercise conducted in Thailand that includes humanitarian and civic assistance programs. This year's exercise takes place primarily at Udon Thani and Korat Royal Thai Air Force Bases.



General Characteristics: A-10 THUNDERBOLT II
*User: U.S. Air Force
*Primary Function: A-10 -- close air support, A-10C - airborne forward air control
*Power Plant: Two General Electric TF34-GE-100 turbofans
*Thrust: 9,065 pounds each engine
*Wingspan: 57 feet, 6 inches (17.42 meters)
*Length: 53 feet, 4 inches (16.16 meters)
*Height: 14 feet, 8 inches (4.42 meters)
*Weight: 29,000 pounds (13,154 kilograms)
*Maximum Takeoff Weight: 51,000 pounds (22,950 kilograms)
*Fuel Capacity: 11,000 pounds (7,257 kilograms)
*Payload: 16,000 pounds (7,257 kilograms)
*Speed: 420 miles per hour (Mach 0.56)
*Ceiling: 45,000 feet (13,636 meters)
*Armament: One 30 mm GAU-8/A seven-barrel Gatling gun; up to 16,000 pounds (7,200 kilograms) of mixed ordnance on eight under-wing and three under-fuselage pylon stations, including 500 pound (225 kilograms) Mk-82 and 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms) Mk-84 series low/high drag bombs, incendiary cluster bombs, combined effects munitions, mine dispensing munitions, AGM-65 Maverick missiles and laser-guided/electro-optically guided bombs; infrared countermeasure flares; electronic countermeasure chaff; jammer pods; 2.75-inch (6.99 centimeters) rockets; illumination flares and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.

 

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Pacific partners close Cope Tiger with ceremony
12 MARCH 2010

Thai, Singaporean and U.S. servicemembers marked the end of Cope Tiger 2010 with a closing ceremony held here March 12.

Air Chief Marshal Itthaporn Subhawong, Royal Thai Air Force commander in chief, served as host and presided over the ceremony. He was joined by Gen. Gary North, Pacific Air Forces commander, and Brig. Gen. Ng Chee Meng, Republic of Singapore Air Force chief of air force.

Cope Tiger is an annual multilateral exercise involving aviation and ground units from the U.S. Air Force, the Royal Thai Air Force and Army, and the Republic of Singapore Air Force. This year's event took place March 1 to 12 here and at Udon Thani Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand.

"This event continues to prove the wisdom of collaboration and interoperability between our armed forces, and demonstrates the outstanding working relationship of the U.S., Thai, and Singaporean forces," General North said at the ceremony. "It's a model for how well we, as a team, can conduct multilateral operations here in the Pacific."

During the exercise, U.S., Thai and Singaporean participants flew 838 sorties. On one mission, nearly 60 Royal Thai and U.S. Air Force members jumped from a C-17 Globemaster III as part of airdrop training.

In addition to the flying operations, a medical team made up of Thai, Singaporean and U.S. military members provided dental, optometry and general medical care to approximately 1,500 Thai men, women and children.

Finally, exercise participants took part in two separate cultural exchanges with 80 Thai school children; visited an orphanage near Korat RTAFB; and hosted more than 50 children and their teachers at an open house at Udon Thani RTAFB.

General North said a tremendous team effort goes into the planning and execution of an exercise of this magnitude.

"The success we've seen in previous years and during Cope Tiger 2010 would not be possible without the strong partnership and ties that exist between our nations," the general said.

U.S., Singaporean and Thai military personnel participating in Cope Tiger await the arrival of the official party on the last day of the exercise at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, March 12, 2010. Cope Tiger is an annual multilateral exercise involving aviation and ground units from the U.S. Air Force, the Royal Thai Air Force and Army, and the Republic of Singapore Air Force.



Gen. Gary North, Pacific Air Forces commander, walks with Air Chief Marshal Itthaporn Subhawong, Royal Thai Air Force commander in chief (left) and Brig. Gen. Ng Chee Meng, Republic of Singapore Air Force chief of air force (right), in front of a formation of U.S., Singaporean and Thai military personnel on the last day of the Cope Tiger exercise at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, March 12, 2010. Cope Tiger is an annual multilateral exercise that enhances combined readiness and interoperability, and demonstrates U.S. commitment to the Asia-Pacific region.



Brig. Gen. Ng Chee Meng, Republic of Singapore Air Force chief of air force; Air Chief Marshal Itthaporn Subhawong, Royal Thai Air Force commander in chief; and Gen. Gary North, Pacific Air Forces commander, salute as the Thailand national anthem is played during the Cope Tiger closing ceremony at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, March 12, 2010. Cope Tiger is an annual multilateral exercise that enhances combined readiness and interoperability, and demonstrates U.S. commitment to the Asia-Pacific region.