SATTAHIP, Thailand - Two weeks before the start of Exercise Cobra Gold 2012, approximately 10 Marines from Communications Company, traveled to Sattahip, Thailand, as part of an advanced party to begin the set up for the exercise.

The Marines were tasked to set up the combat operations centers for the exercise, which included dropping more than 400 lines, which would provide service members with internet, computer use, single channel radio and telephone service.

“Everyone was apprehensive when we left” said Lance Cpl. Wendy Frias, a tactical switch operator with Communication Company, CLR-37. “No one believed that we would be able to complete everything before the start of the exercise. We had to put everything together, including getting chairs and tables for everyone.”

The Marines not only completed everything before the exercise began, they finished with almost four days to spare, said Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Henry, the communications chief with CLR-37.

“The Marines from Communications Company have done an excellent job from the beginning,” said Henry. “They were able to maintain a wide spectrum of networks throughout the exercise for the exercise control group, the field training exercise combat operations center, and the general’s workspace.”

As the conclusion of Exercise Cobra Gold 2012 nears and service members begin to clear out of the workspaces, the Marines with Communications Company began the breakdown of the area Feb. 16.

“We brought nearly 10 million dollars worth of gear,” said Henry. “It is now our job to take accountability of all the serialized items, pack up the gear, and collect all the wires for future use.”

The communications Marines are some of the last Marines to leave, said Henry.

“Once everyone is gone it is our job to make sure the camp is broken down properly, and everything is good,” said Henry.

The closing ceremony for Exercise Cobra Gold 2012 is Feb. 17, marking the conclusion of the 31st iteration of the exercise.

Exercise Cobra Gold is a reoccurring multinational and multiservice exercise hosted by the Kingdom of Thailand. It is designed to advance regional security by exercising a multinational force from nations sharing common goals and security commitments in the Asia-Pacific region.

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