U.S. Air Force (USAF) and Republic of Singapore Air Force pararescuemen aboard an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter prepare for a combined search and recovery operation during COPE TIGER 02.

A U.S Marine power line mechanic, LCpl. Albert F. Rodriguez, checks a Marine F/A-18 Hornet in preparation for COPE TIGER air maneuvers.

Air forces from Thailand, Singapore, and the United States and the U.S. Marine Corps aviation participated in the second phase of Exercise COPE TIGER 2002 in Korat, Thailand, from 12 to 26 January 2002. This phase involved flying training exercises.

COPE TIGER is an annual, multinational exercise conducted in two phases in the Asia-Pacific region. The first phase was a tactical seminar/command post workshop where aircrews from the three countries participated in mission planning and command and control exercises at Paya Lebar Air Base in Singapore in 2001.

More than 1,800 military personnel from the three countries participated in COPE TIGER 2002. The exercise improved combat readiness and combined-joint interoperability between Thai, Singapore and U.S. forces, while it enhanced security relations and demonstrated U.S. resolve to support the security and humanitarian interests of friends and allies in the region.

The January 2002 skies over Northeast Thailand were full of many different aircraft supporting COPE TIGER 2002. The Thai forces flew F-16A/B Fighting Falcon and F-5E/F Tiger jets, UH-1H Huey helicopters and the L-39 Albatross jet. Singapore’s Air Force flew F-5S/T Tiger jets and A-4 Skyhawk jets. The U.S. Air Force flew F-15C/D Eagle jets, E-3B Sentry Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS), HH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, and a KC-135 Stratotanker for air refueling missions. The U.S. Marines flew EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft and F/A-18C Hornet fighter attack aircraft. U.S. Air Force C-130H Hercules, C-5B Galaxy, and contracted civilian aircraft airlifted tons of supplies and transported exercise participants.