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Andersen's combat communicators to participate in Cope Tiger

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
More than 30 644th Combat Communications Squadron members are slated to participate in Exercise Cope Tiger in Thailand March 9-20.

Cope Tiger is an annual, multilateral large force exercise conducted in the Asia-Pacific region and is the only multilateral field training exercise held in Thailand.

According to Senior Master Sgt. Chip Sprague, 644th CBCS combat support flight chief, the team will provide all communications abilities for both sites, including internet, video teleconferencing and radio support.

Joining the 644th CBCS members at Korat and Udon Thani Royal Thai Air Bases are Air Force and Marine aviation and ground units, as well as members from the Royal Thai Air Force and Army and units from the Royal Singapore Air Force."This is our first major test off the island," said Capt. Ian Price, the 644th CBCS' site commander at Udon Thani Royal Air Base. "It's our first real-world demonstration of our capabilities."

To ensure readiness for Cope Tiger, the 644th CBCS exercised relentlessly, holding three in-house, preparatory exercises within the past two months, as well as conducting the Dragon Thunder exercise in November. Cope Tiger affords the 644th CBCS an opportunity to gauge its effectiveness in working with other units.

"Preparation doesn't always guarantee mission success," Sergeant Sprague said, "But a lack of preparation will almost always guarantee mission failure."

For the younger Airmen participating, there are also opportunities to grow and reach personal goals.

"Part of the reason why I joined the Air Force was to travel, so I'm looking forward to this exercise" said Senior Airman James Allen, 644th CBCS network integration technician. "I'll also have the opportunity to help go in and set up for the exercise and gain job experience which will help me progress in the Air Force."