Airmen train with Thai, Singapore allies

[unhappycamper]

Airmen train with Thai, Singapore allies
Staff report
Posted : Wednesday Jan 30, 2008 18:47:52 EST

KORAT ROYAL THAI AIR BASE, Thailand — U.S., Thai and Singaporean air crews are continuing a war game known as “Cope Tiger,” a tactical training exercise over the skies of Thailand.

More than 1,400 service members from the U.S. Air Force and Marines — as well as the Royal Thai Air army and air force and the Royal Singapore air force — are still immersed in the 11-day exercise ending Feb. 5.

Cope Tiger is a reassertion of America’s commitment to defend the region and a chance for airmen from all three countries to perform joint combat procedures, including mock air battles. This is the seventh Cope Tiger exercise.

“The exercise is really high-end training,” said Royal Singapore Air Force Col. Anil Sankar. It allows the different forces to “get to know each other” and “gives all the guys a good chance to sharpen their skills.”

“The U.S. and ( Royal Thai air force ) have had a relationship for a long time and it should be maintained,” said Capt. Tawidanes Angsusingha, a Royal Thai officer who has led Cope Tiger exercises.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/01/airforce_thai_wargames_080131w/