FIVE HILLS TRAINING AREA, Mongolia – After intense training during Khaan Quest 12, a regularly scheduled, multinational exercise sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and hosted annually by the Mongolian Armed Forces, the participants of the exercise came together one last time for the closing ceremony Aug. 23.
Khaan Quest 12 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote regional peace and security. This exercise marks the tenth iteration of this regionally significant training event. Among those in attendance at the ceremony was Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus.
“Khaan Quest serves as a practical example of the closeness of the Mongolian – United States relations,” Mabus said. “It serves as a symbolic commitment to peace and security throughout the world that is demonstrated by all the participants of Khaan Quest.”
|
|
Over the last two weeks, the multinational conglomerate of organizations has undergone training designed to enhance the skillsets of the participants in peacekeeping operations. The training included a field training exercise, a staff exercise, medical first responder training and a medical humanitarian civic action outreach project.
“As Khaan Quest 2012 comes to a close, we can unequivocally state that through teamwork we have achieved our goals,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Clinton K. Brown II, command sergeant major, 297th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, Alaska Army National Guard. “Using our closely forged relationship with the Mongolian Armed Forces, we will conclude this exercise knowing that we all have learned valuable lessons and made lifelong partnerships.”
On the parade field, the participants from each nation stood in formations as the Mongolian Honor Guard band played the Mongolian national anthem, the crowd saluting in mutual respect for their host nation’s generosity and partnership during Khaan Quest 12. At the end of the ceremony, the formations marched past the distinguished guests and hosts, one last procession ending the tenth iteration of the Khaan Quest exercises.
|
|
“Over the past weeks, the participants have done a lot of great work,” Mabus said. “The skills learned here can and will translate into real world military and peacekeeping operations. Together, you have built expertise, interoperability and most importantly, you have built trust. In the future, whatever mission is needed, we already know each other.”
“I want to thank Mongolia for the strong partnership that the United States has with Mongolia,” he said. “Thank you to the Mongolian government and the Mongolian Armed Forces for hosting Khaan Quest, along with the Alaska National Guard, here at Five Hills.”
