Marines with Alpha Co. and Weapons Co., Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire various weapon systems at a notional enemy encampment during a combined-arms live-fire exercise here, Feb. 21. CALFEX blends U.S. and Royal Thai forces in a live-fire combat simulation, with success dependant on the interoperability of both nations. Exercise Cobra Gold, now in its 32nd iteration, strengthens interoperability between the U.S. and Thailand and enhances the ability to respond to regional crisis. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. - Marines with Alpha Co. and Weapons Co., Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire various weapon systems at a notional enemy encampment during a combined-arms live-fire exercise here, Feb. 21. CALFEX blends U.S. and Royal Thai forces in a live-fire combat simulation, with success dependant on the interoperability of both nations. Exercise Cobra Gold, now in its 32nd iteration, strengthens interoperability between the U.S. and Thailand and enhances the ability to respond to regional crisis. The 31st MEU is the only continually forward-deployed MEU and is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

Marines and Sailors with the Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, await instruction during a jungle survival class taught by Royal Thai Marines as part of Cobra Gold 2013, here Feb. 20. The class detailed ways to find direction in the jungle, how to identify edible plants and animals, and how to prepare food fit to eat. Cobra Gold 2013 demonstrates the resolve of the U.S. and participating nations to increase interoperability and promote security and peace throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. - Marines and Sailors with the Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, await instruction during a jungle survival class taught by Royal Thai Marines as part of Cobra Gold 2013, here Feb. 20. The class detailed ways to find direction in the jungle, how to identify edible plants and animals, and how to prepare food fit to eat. Cobra Gold 2013 demonstrates the resolve of the U.S. and participating nations to increase interoperability and promote security and peace throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense specialists with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit prepare to evacuate Royal Thai Marine casualties of a notional radiological threat to a decontamination station during bilateral assessment-consequence management training as a part of Cobra Gold 2013 here, Feb. 19. Exercises such as Cobra Gold allow the 31st MEU to collaborate with partner countries to achieve mutual security goals, address shared concerns, and continue to develop relationships. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. - Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense specialists with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit prepare to evacuate Royal Thai Marine casualties of a notional radiological threat to a decontamination station during bilateral assessment-consequence management training as a part of Cobra Gold 2013 here, Feb. 19. Exercises such as Cobra Gold allow the 31st MEU to collaborate with partner countries to achieve mutual security goals, address shared concerns, and continue to develop relationships. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

Royal Thai Marines with 1st Long Range Reconnaissance Platoon connect with the ground after parachuting out of a C-130 Hercules during bilateral parachute jump training as part of Cobra Gold 2013 here, Feb. 18. Thailand and the United States are committed to working together in areas of common interest for the stabilization of regional security. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. - Royal Thai Marines with 1st Long Range Reconnaissance Platoon connect with the ground after parachuting out of a C-130 Hercules during bilateral parachute jump training as part of Cobra Gold 2013 here, Feb. 18. Thailand and the United States are committed to working together in areas of common interest for the stabilization of regional security. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

Staff Sgt. Thomas Schaeffer, team leader for Expeditionary Military Information Support Operations Team 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of Mountville, Penn., and Cpl. Kyle Powers, a military information support specialist with EMT-31, 31st MEU, and a native of Hancock, Md., broadcast messages in Thai to support the 31st MEU's medical civil affairs project at the Wat Ta Kraw temple here during exercise Cobra Gold 2013, Feb. 15. The mission of MISO is to we create ways to ensure the local audience is receptive to our presence or operations. Exercises such as Cobra Gold allow the 31st MEU to collaborate with partner countries in achieving mutual security goals, addressing shared concerns, and continuing to develop and enhance relationships. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and is the Marine Corps' force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. - Staff Sgt. Thomas Schaeffer, team leader for Expeditionary Military Information Support Operations Team 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a native of Mountville, Penn., and Cpl. Kyle Powers, a military information support specialist with EMT-31, 31st MEU, and a native of Hancock, Md., broadcast messages in Thai to support the 31st MEU's medical civil affairs project at the Wat Ta Kraw temple here during exercise Cobra Gold 2013, Feb. 15. The mission of MISO is to we create ways to ensure the local audience is receptive to our presence or operations. Exercises such as Cobra Gold allow the 31st MEU to collaborate with partner countries in achieving mutual security goals, addressing shared concerns, and continuing to develop and enhance relationships. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and is the Marine Corps' force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, escort Thai citizens into a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (Reinforced) during a multilateral non-combatant evacuation operation as a part of Cobra Gold 2013 here, Feb. 17. Cobra Gold is the largest multinational exercise in the Asia-Pacific and helps develop the ability of all participants to effectively conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. - Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, escort Thai citizens into a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (Reinforced) during a multilateral non-combatant evacuation operation as a part of Cobra Gold 2013 here, Feb. 17. Cobra Gold is the largest multinational exercise in the Asia-Pacific and helps develop the ability of all participants to effectively conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

Gunnery Sgt. Marklester M. Ecalnir, a foreign area staff non-commissioned officer for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, helps direct Thai citizens for a multinational non-combatant evacuation operation as part of Cobra Gold 2013 here, Feb. 17. Ecalnir specializes in the Southeast-Asia region and brought a deep understanding of each nation's culture to the planning process of the operation and a working knowledge in four of the five languages spoken by the participants. The 31st MEU recently participated in the 32nd iteration of Cobra Gold, a multinational exercise that promotes regional prosperity, security and cooperation among partner militaries. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps' force in readiness for the Asia-Pacific region and the only continuously forward deployed MEU. - Gunnery Sgt. Marklester M. Ecalnir, a foreign area staff non-commissioned officer for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, helps direct Thai citizens for a multinational non-combatant evacuation operation as part of Cobra Gold 2013 here, Feb. 17. Ecalnir specializes in the Southeast-Asia region and brought a deep understanding of each nation's culture to the planning process of the operation and a working knowledge in four of the five languages spoken by the participants. The 31st MEU recently participated in the 32nd iteration of Cobra Gold, a multinational exercise that promotes regional prosperity, security and cooperation among partner militaries. The 31st MEU is the Marine Corps' force in readiness for the Asia-Pacific region and the only continuously forward deployed MEU.

Royal Thai Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Royal Thai Marine Corps, exit a CH-46E Sea Knight during a bilateral helicopter raid as part of exercise Cobra Gold 2013 here, Feb. 16. Cobra Gold is an annual exercise that includes numerous multilateral events ranging from amphibious assaults to non-combatant evacuation operations. The training aims to improve interoperability between the United States, the Kingdom of Thailand, and many other participating countries. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. - Royal Thai Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Royal Thai Marine Corps, exit a CH-46E Sea Knight during a bilateral helicopter raid as part of exercise Cobra Gold 2013 here, Feb. 16. Cobra Gold is an annual exercise that includes numerous multilateral events ranging from amphibious assaults to non-combatant evacuation operations. The training aims to improve interoperability between the United States, the Kingdom of Thailand, and many other participating countries. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

Lieutenant Cmdr. Angela Dougherty, critical care clinical nurse specialist with 3rd Medical Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, explains the capabilities of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's forward resuscitative surgical suite to a group of Royal Thai Army medical personnel here, Feb. 16. The RTA medical visit helps the U.S. medical staff set protocols for the treatment of any incoming Thai personnel during exercise Cobra Gold 2013. CG13, now in its 32nd iteration, is an annual multilateral exercise aimed at strengthening military interoperability and foreign relationships while maintaining theatre security throughout the Asia-Pacific region. - Lieutenant Cmdr. Angela Dougherty, critical care clinical nurse specialist with 3rd Medical Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, explains the capabilities of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's forward resuscitative surgical suite to a group of Royal Thai Army medical personnel here, Feb. 16. The RTA medical visit helps the U.S. medical staff set protocols for the treatment of any incoming Thai personnel during exercise Cobra Gold 2013. CG13, now in its 32nd iteration, is an annual multilateral exercise aimed at strengthening military interoperability and foreign relationships while maintaining theatre security throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Marines and Sailors with Company B., Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, speed ashore on combat rubber raiding crafts during a bilateral boat raid as a part of exercise Cobra Gold 2013 here, Feb. 15. Cobra Gold is an annual exercise that includes numerous multilateral events ranging from amphibious assaults to non-combatant evacuation operations. The training aims to improve interoperability between the United States, the Kingdom of Thailand, and many other participating countries. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. - Marines and Sailors with Company B., Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, speed ashore on combat rubber raiding crafts during a bilateral boat raid as a part of exercise Cobra Gold 2013 here, Feb. 15. Cobra Gold is an annual exercise that includes numerous multilateral events ranging from amphibious assaults to non-combatant evacuation operations. The training aims to improve interoperability between the United States, the Kingdom of Thailand, and many other participating countries. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and is the Marine Corps’ force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.