III MEF VIDEOS

Thailand and the U.S. teamed with several countries around the pacific to build six multipurpose rooms for communities throughout the Kingdom of Thailand, Jan. 28 to Feb. 24, 2017 during Cobra Gold 17. Humanitarian Civic Action programs conducted during CG17 demonstrate a mutual commitment to support security and humanitarian interests of friends and partner nations. The programs will improve the quality of life, as well as the general health and welfare, of civilian residents in the exercise areas.

U.S. Navy, Royal Thai Army and Singapore Army pass out school supplies to the children of Ban Nong Mee, Buri Ram Province, Feb. 15, 2017 during Cobra Gold 17. This exercise maintains a consistent focus on Humanitarian Civic Action (HCA) and community engagement conducted during the exercise to support the needs and humanitarian interests of civilian populations around the region.

U.S. Navy Chaplain Lt. Aroon Seeda and Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Unit, hand out school supplies and teach English to students at the Ban Phan Sa Nguan School in Korat Province Feb. 15, 2017 as part of Cobra Gold 2017. Seeda, a Thailand native, is the only Buddhist Chaplain with the U.S. Navy and is with Navy Operational Support Unit. CG17 maintains a consistent focus on Humanitarian Civic Action (HCA), community engagement, and medical activities conducted during the exercise to support the needs and humanitarian interests of civilian populations around the region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Ally Beiswanger)

U.S. Navy Chaplain Lt. Aroon Seeda and Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Unit, hand out school supplies and teach English to students at the Ban Phan Sa Nguan School in Korat Province Feb. 15, 2017 as part of Cobra Gold 2017. Seeda, a Thailand native, is the only Buddhist Chaplain in the Navy and is part of the Navy Operational Support Unit. CG17 maintains a consistent focus on Humanitarian Civic Action (HCA), community engagement, and medical activities conducted during the exercise to support the needs and humanitarian interests of civilian populations around the region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Ally Beiswanger) English translation: I personally had a great experience about 30 years ago. At that time, I was a Buddhist novice. When I was walking for food, the U.S. Marines gave me an MRE. They followed me to a temple and helped me do my homework. As a part of this [community relations] event, I hope I can make these children have the same memorable experience that I had. When I come back to Thailand, it’s an opportunity to fulfill my dream to serve my country. I’m glad that I’m a part of Cobra Gold and that I can help this school. The work I do as a chaplain is rewarding because I can serve the U.S., Thailand and Buddhism at the same time.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. John Suyat and Cpl. Lecil Campbell talk about Thailand's culture and how Marines are able to build relationships despite the language barrier during Cobra Gold 2017. The U.S., Thailand, and Malaysia teamed up at Ban Kok Kee San Toor in the Khon Kaen Province to build a multipurpose room for the people in the village. Humanitarian Civic Action (HCA) programs conducted during CG17 demonstrate a mutual commitment to support security and humanitarian interests of friends and partner nations. The programs will improve the quality of life, as well as the general health and welfare, of civilian residents in the exercise areas. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Ally Beiswanger)

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 compete against the Royal Thai Air Force Soccer Team during a soccer game and a tug-of-war match at Ban Kok Kee San Toor, Khon Kaen Province, Feb. 8, 2017 during Cobra Gold 17. This exercise is a Thai-U.S. co-sponsored exercise that represents the longstanding friendship between the Thai and American people. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Kimberlyn Adams)