An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | Feb. 6, 2023

AFRIMS attend Royal Thai Army anniversary celebration

By Ricky Agyekum U.S Army Medical Directorate- Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences

Members from the U.S Army Medical Directorate- Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences attended the Royal Thai Army Medical Department 123rd Anniversary Ceremony, Jan. 9.
The celebration brought together 225 attendees and professionals in military medicine from around the local region representing RTA, RTAMED, Royal Thai Navy, Royal Thai Police, private industry, government, and academia. Through its cooperation with the RTA over the past 62 years, AFRIMS has played a significant role in enhancing the U.S and Thailand capabilities and medical skills.
 “The research conducted by AFRIMS has aided in the creation of vaccines and therapies that promote military, national, and global health; it has saved millions of lives in the region and around the globe,” Whitten said.  “The partnership allows the U.S. military to be better postured for the potential health threats that service members may face while deployed in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.”
The event was hosted by the RTA Surgeon General Wuticha Isara to honor the contribution of RTAMED in combating infectious diseases, responding to combat casualties, and advancing field care capabilities. The celebration was chaired by the RTA Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Narongpan Jittkaewtae and featured several events including an Outstanding Medical Awards ceremony, a Buddhist Religious Ceremony by monks, and a visit to the Association of Southeast Asian Nation Center Military Medicine Hall.  Representatives from AFRIMS were invited to join the ceremony as the only foreign military presence.
“[AFRIMS] participation in the celebration strengthens current relations and creates new ones that will enable future collaboration between various institutions,” said Maj. Taylor Whitten, Executive Officer, AFRIMS. “These activities can facilitate cooperation on a range of issues, including public health, medical research, and can contribute to the overall stability and security of the region.”
Another highlight on the day was a simulated medical evacuation and treatment demonstration, where the RTA Medical Emergency Response Team demonstrated their ability to respond to combat casualties. 
“The most striking aspect was [RTAMED’s] dedication to advancing their field care capabilities,” Whitten said. “They are using the most up to date medical evacuation equipment and techniques, and finding ways to implement new technology, such as drones, to address the ever-evolving battlefield.”
AFRIMS members presented a memento to the Surgeon General on behalf of the U.S. Ambassador. Isara expressed interest in further collaboration with the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence to advance their medic programs through the Army’s Combat Medic curriculum.
Following a full day of events, Whitten reflected on the experience and time spent with attendees.
“It was a great opportunity to meet senior RTA and RTAMED leadership and celebrate their accomplishments in military medicine,” Whitten said. “It also provided a platform to meet other government and non-government collaborators in a social setting.”

CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM
Facebook

Like Us
X
362,745
Follow Us

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                                 

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
Andersen AFB hosts ADA Senior Leader Seminar
Members of the U.S. Air Force, Philippine Air Force and Royal Malaysian Air Force listen to briefings during the Regional Air Domain Awareness Senior Leader Seminar on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 26, 2024. Throughout the seminar, leaders discussed air domain strategies, policies, terminology and also developed a network of Allies and partners that have a shared understanding of air domain awareness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Perkins)
March 7, 2024 - Members of the U.S. Air Force, Indonesian Air Force, Philippine Air Force, Royal Malaysian Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force came together to participate in the Regional Air Domain Awareness Senior Leader Seminar on...

Readout of Assistant Secretary of Defense Ely Ratner's Meeting with Papua New Guinea's Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso
March 6, 2024 - Department of Defense Spokesman LTC Marty Meiners provided the following readout...

USAF F-35s integrate with Singapore forces
A Republic of Singapore Air Force F-15SG and U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II participate in bilateral training over Singapore, March 4, 2024. The bilateral training encompassed the USAF F-35 and RSAF F-15 and F-16 aircraft flying together to improve interoperability and cohesion amongst the partner services. Partnership activities enhance trust and increase global stability, security and prosperity while upholding international law and promoting shared values. (Republic of Singapore Air Force photo by CPL Timothy Khor)
March 6, 2024 - U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs participated in bilateral training with Republic of Singapore Air Force at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore for the first time March 4 – 7...

7th Fleet Destroyer transits Taiwan Strait
TAIWAN STRAIT (March 5, 2024) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113) conducts routine operations during a Taiwan Strait transit, March 5. John Finn is forward-deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Stack)
March 5, 2024 - The Arleigh-Burke guided missile class destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113) conducted a routine south-to-north Taiwan Strait transit on March 5, 2024...

U.S. Coast Guard conduct combined patrol with Marshallese partners under Operation Blue Pacific
The USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) crew take a moment for a photo with members of the Sea Patrol on Feb. 22, 2024, in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands. Underway in support of Operation Blue Pacific, the cutter crew showcased the effectiveness of the U.S. and RMI maritime bilateral agreement, conducting a shared patrol with shipriders emphasizing collaborative efforts in maritime safety, security, and stewardship in terms of resource protection. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
March 5, 2024 - Following efforts with Kiribati partners, the USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) crew recently concluded the next leg of their expeditionary patrol from Feb. 20 to 27, 2024, spending time in Majuro, Wotje Atoll, and the Exclusive...