LAEM CHABANG, Thailand - The amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)
arrived at Laem Chabang, Thailand, Feb. 11, for a scheduled port visit and participation in
Exercise Cobra Gold 2018 (CG18).
Bonhomme Richard arrives just ahead of the CG 18 opening ceremony scheduled to take place
Feb. 13., which will mark the beginning of one of the Indo-Pacific region’s largest multinational
exercises.
Co-hosted by the Kingdom of Thailand and the United States, CG18 is an annual exercise
designed to advance regional security and ensure effective response to regional crisis by
exercising a robust multinational force from nations sharing common goals and security
commitments in the region.
“We look forward to working with the Thai military and our regional allies during this year’s
exercise. I know the crew is ready for some well deserved liberty in Thailand,” said Capt. Larry
McCullen, commanding officer of Bonhomme Richard. “It’s been a few years since Bonhomme
Richard participated in a Cobra Gold, so it’s good to be back in the area working with our Indo-
Pacific partners. The training will keep our skills sharp as we accomplish or nations’ goals
together.
CG18 is the 37 th iteration of the exercise and will focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster
relief. Among participating nations are the Kingdom of Thailand, the United States of America,
Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore and Indonesia.
Bonhomme Richard’s participation in CG18 will include working alongside Royal Thai Navy ships
and conducting a range of amphibious operations that will enhance tactical expertise of
participants and practice combined capabilities to respond to contingencies.
Prior to Bonhomme Richard’s arrival to Laem Chabang, equipment and vehicles, of the 3d
Marine Division (MARDIV), debarked in preparation for CG18. The AH-1Z Vipers and UH-1Y
Hueys, attached to the "Gunfighters" of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 369,
CH-53E Super Stallions, assigned to the "Wolfpack" of Heavy Marine Helicopter Squadron
(HMH) 466 and amphibious assault vehicles (AAV), assigned to the 3rd A Battalion, which all
operate under the 3d MARDIV, will play a key role in the upcoming exercises.
During the port visit at Laem Chabang, Bonhomme Richard Sailors and Marines will host
distinguished visitors on the ship, participate in a community relations project and have the
opportunity to experience Thai culture and local sights.
Bonhomme Richard is on regularly scheduled patrol in the Indo-Pacific region supporting
security and stability in the region.