Cope Tiger 25 takes off in Thailand

Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla | U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Christian Ferguson, 77th Expeditionary Fighter Generation Squadron crew chief, conducts pre-flight checks during exercise Cope Tiger 25 at Korat Royal Air Base, Thailand Mar. 18, 2025. CT25 is an annual trilateral exercise which aims to enhance readiness, interoperability and combined capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla)  

THAILAND

03.19.2025

Story by Master Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla 

Pacific Air Forces

Cope Tiger 25 officially launched the first aircraft from the U.S. Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Air Force, marking the start of flying operations for the exercise, Mar. 17, 2025.

CT25 is now in its 31st year and serves as a symbol of the three nations’ enduring partnership and commitment in the region.

Airmen and aircraft from the 77th Fighter Squadron based out of Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina, are the lead for the U.S. Air Force. This is the unit’s first time participating in exercise Cope Tiger.

“We’re very excited to be here to work with the Royal Thai Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Air Force,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Steven McCord, 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron detachment commander. “We’re here to learn more about each other, learn from each other and build our relationships on the ground and in the air. That’s really what Cope Tiger is all about.”

The exercise is scheduled to conclude with a closing ceremony on March 28.

• Date Taken: 03.19.2025
• Date Posted: 03.20.2025 20:42
• Story ID: 493395
• Location: TH