Photo By Matthew Manning | Explosive Ordnance Disposal divers from the Royal Thai Navy enters the pool during...... read more read more
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THUNG PRONG, Thailand - Explosive ordnance disposal divers from the Royal Thai Navy and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5 took part in a bilateral diving exercise as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2012 here Feb. 12.
Sailors from EODMU-5 showed the sailors of the Royal Thai Navy how to disassemble, inspect and reassemble Mk-16 rebreathers, diving apparatus used to reduce the volume of breathing gases, making a rebreather lighter and more compact than traditional diving gear.
Following the instructional period in the classroom, divers entered the pool to apply what was taught during the instructional period.
“It’s a great opportunity to be here today hosted by the Royal Thai Navy at this facility,” said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Jeffery "Scott" Jones, commander of Amphibious Force 7th Fleet. “It allows us to bring our divers in from EODMU-5 to train at Cobra Gold 2012 and to provide that interoperability which enhances our training with each other as we build to the future as partners in maritime security.”
Although the two teams are from different countries, they conducted their operations similarly.
“About 90 to 95 percent of our diving is similar to the U.S. Navy,” said Commander Suwee Powtontsook, commanding officer, Royal Thai Navy explosive ordnance disposal team. “The differences between us are just in the equipment or techniques but they have been familiarizing us with these things.”
In years past, Exercise Cobra Gold has been known for multilateral training and sharing of knowledge between countries. This tradition is still being carried on.
“Cobra Gold is an opportunity to share our procedures and standardize them in case of emergencies so on a level of procedures there is definitely a sharing of what we know,” said Lt. J.G. Steven Lombardo, officer in charge, platoon 502, EODMU-5 “We will share our tactics with the Thais and how we combat certain problems or issues that may arise and they also share their methods.”
From exchanging knowledge and tactics, the two diving teams are able to build camaraderie with one another.
“Every day at lunch we will sit down and share our meals with each other,” said Lombardo. “This is the time we are able to just talk and really get to know them and build upon our relationship.”
This view is held by all those taking part in Exercise Cobra Gold 2012.
“Everyone from officer to enlisted is very appreciative of this exercise,” said Powtontsook. “It offers the chance to get more experience, knowledge and skill as we build the relationship between the U.S. and the Royal Thai Navy.”
Cobra Gold is a recurring multinational and multiservice exercise co-hosted by the Royal Kingdom of Thailand and the U.S. designed to increase interoperability with participating nations by training as a multinational force that shares common goals and security commitments in the Asia-Pacific region.
| Date Taken: | 02.12.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 02.15.2012 00:30 |
| Story ID: | 83864 |
| Location: | THUNG PRONG, TH |
| Web Views: | 125 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Explosive ordnance disposal divers practice diving techniques during Exercise Cobra Gold 2012, by Matthew Manning, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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