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31st MEU arrives in Thailand for Cobra Gold

Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived off the coast of southern Thailand on Thursday to participate in Cobra Gold 2008, a multinational exercise focusing on regional cooperation and humanitarian assistance projects.

More than 400 sailors and Marines disembarked the Essex, arriving ashore in utility boats at the port city of Sattahip, according to a Marine statement. The group included ground combat, aviation and logistics support elements with 31st MEU.

The exercise has been hosted by Thailand for 27 years, according to a statement released by the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok. Thailand, Singapore, Japan and Indonesia will also participate.

“Multi-national responses to regional crises are likely to be the norm in the future,” James F. Entwistle, deputy chief of mission at the embassy, said in the statement.

“There is no better exercise than Cobra Gold in keeping our militaries ready to respond to the real-world priorities of supporting peace, stability, reconstruction, and humanitarian assistance.”