COMPACAF thanks Airmen as Cope Tiger 13 concludes

by 2nd Lt. Jake Bailey
Cope Tiger 13 Public Affairs

3/25/2013 - KORAT ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BASE, Thailand  -- Gen. Hawk Carlisle, commander of Pacific Air Forces, met with Airmen from the U.S., Thailand and Republic of Singapore as they joined forces one last time on the flight line during the closing ceremony for Cope Tiger 13 here March 21.

"I want to personally thank you for all that you've done. What you've accomplished during this exercise matters a great deal," Carlisle told Airmen as he met with them one on one before the closing ceremony began.

Carlisle presented certificates of accomplishment to Airmen who rose to the challenge and delivered superior performance during Cope Tiger 13. Afterwards, he talked candidly with the Airmen and answered their questions.

Carlisle noted that with less than one percent of the U.S. population serving in the military, Airmen should be proud to count themselves as part of an elite few who provide peace and stability, especially in the Pacific region.

"You answer our nation's call everyday," Carlisle said.

Cope Tiger 13's objectives included improving combat readiness and combined aerial planning and tactics in addition to enhancing multilateral relations.

During the combined field training exercise, 2,300 personnel and 80 aircraft from the three participating air forces executed 919 aerial sorties.

"It is my great pleasure to report that with leadership and teamwork contributed from all participants, the exercise accomplished its primary goal of executing safely," said Group Capt. Napadej Dhupatemiya, Royal Thai Air Force exercise director.

Beyond conducting large force employment missions, Cope Tiger participants made it a point to contribute their goodwill to local schools in the surrounding communities. During three cultural engagements, Airmen contributed educational materials, computer equipment, athletic gear and quality of life measures such as fans and sinks to the schools.

"The interactions that we have during Cope Tiger in Thailand are so beneficial," said Col. Peter Milohnic, U.S. exercise director. "We tend to focus on the military aspect, but what we learn from each other culturally and the friendships that we build while we are here are important, too."

Master Sgt. Jeff Mikkelson, a fuels section chief assigned to Yokota Air Base, Japan, agrees.

"I'm honored to have had the opportunity to make a positive impact here at Cope Tiger, not only on the flight line, but in the community, too" Mikkelson said.

With exercise scenarios concluded, redeployment of aircraft and personnel continue this week.