CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - Military members and first responders from seven nations gathered at the Disaster Relief Training Center in Cha Choeng Sao, Thailand, for Exercise Cobra Gold Feb. 26-27.
Participants from the United States, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan and Singapore trained together in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, exchanging expertise and strengthening multinational coordination.
“I participated in the medical component of the humanitarian and disaster response scenario alongside medical personnel from other countries,” said Lt. Col. Khadidja Harrell, a flight surgeon representing the 194th Medical Group from the Washington Air National Guard.
As mainland Asia’s largest multinational joint-agency exercise, Cobra Gold underscores the enduring alliance between Thailand and the United States while strengthening ties among allied and partner nations. The humanitarian assistance disaster relief component focuses on sharing best practices to improve coordination and effectiveness in disaster response.
Participants were trained on disaster scenarios, including collapsed buildings, chemical spills, water rescues, fires, and mass medical care. These exercises, conducted in integrated multinational teams, enhanced operational skills while overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers.
“The exercise required us to quickly and effectively deliver humanitarian aid while overcoming operational challenges,” Harrell said.
She emphasized the value of working alongside Thailand’s military and first responders.
“Working with the Royal Thai Armed Forces is always a rewarding experience. The U.S. and Thailand are longtime allies, and I am always impressed by their professionalism, medical expertise and teamwork,” she said. “Exercises like Cobra Gold refine our coordination and enhance interoperability for real-world crises.”
Harrell highlighted the importance of multinational medical training.
“I have had many opportunities to engage with medical personnel from Malaysia and Thailand through the State Partnership Program,” she said. “From planning the 2023 Indo-Pacific Military Health Exchange in Malaysia to participating in multiple Cobra Gold HADR demonstrations, these engagements allow us to exchange best practices and prepare for real-world disasters. Learning different approaches makes us all better medics.”