EODMU 5 Partcipates in Cobra Gold 2019

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Kory Alsberry | Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 and Sailors with Royal Thai Navy EOD, participate in a simulated mine detection evolution during Exercise Cobra Gold 2019 in Thailand. Cobra Gold is a multinational exercise co-sponsored by Thailand and the United States that is designed to advance regional security and effective response to crisis contingencies through a robust multinational force to address common goals and security commitments in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kory Alsberry/Released)  

SATTAHIP, THAILAND

02.22.2019

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kory Alsberry 

Commander Task Force 75

Sailors from EODMU 5 participated in joint dive operations with Royal Thai Navy divers as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2019 (CG19), Feb12-23. at Royal Thai Navy Base in Sattahip, Thailand.

CG 19 is one of the largest theater security cooperation exercises in the Indo-Pacific and is an integral part of the U.S. commitment to strengthen engagement in the region.

“I’m glad to have had the opportunity to see our allies in the Royal Thai Navy in action, it has been an eye opening experience,” said Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Dave Bernhardt, EODMU 5 Platoon Chief Leading Petty Officer.

The multilateral exercise between EOD units serves as a means to learn best practices and techniques, and plan future operations for partnering nations.

“In addition to all of the counter IED, mine countermeasures, and small craft training, it’s been awesome to simply to have an opportunity to go scuba diving in Thailand,” said Bernhardt.

During the exercise, EODMU 5 taught classroom lessons on how to use different mine detection devices, mine-countermeasure operations, and dive casualty rescue.

“During this exercise I’ve learned many things and it helped build a good relationship between the US and Royal Thai Navy,” said Lt.j.g. Ammarit Satravut, Royal Thai Navy diver.

CTF-75 has the ability to create adaptive force packages (AFP) with Navy Expeditionary Forces that can be used alone or in support of other CTFs to meet 7th Fleet goals and objectives. The AFP concept is important to bringing the right tailored capability to respond to irregular challenges and contingency operations, creating synergy and the ability to effectively and efficiently command and control forces for non-standard missions.

This year’s exercise consisted of three primary events: a staff exercise, humanitarian civic assistance projects, and a field training exercise that included a variety of training events to enhance interoperability and strengthen regional relationships. There were over 20 nations either directly participating in or observing CG19, with approximately 3,900 U.S. personnel directly participating both ashore and afloat.

For more information, photos and stories about Cobra Gold, including past iterations, please visit the Cobra Gold public web page: www.dvidshub.net/feature/CobraGold or official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ExerciseCobraGold.

• Date Taken: 02.22.2019
• Date Posted: 02.24.2019 22:42
• Story ID: 311816
• Location: SATTAHIP, TH