(Photo by USO Indo-Pacific)
Under the intense tropical sun of Thailand, thousands of U.S. service members train shoulder to shoulder with allied partners during Exercise Cobra Gold 2026, one of the largest and longest-running multinational military exercises in the Indo-Pacific region.
Long days in the field, extreme heat and physically demanding operations are all part of the training designed to strengthen readiness and deepen partnerships across the region.
Amid the fast-paced tempo of the exercise, one familiar sight offers service members a chance to pause and reset: the USO expeditionary tent.
For more than a decade, the USO Indo-Pacific region has supported troops participating in Cobra Gold through expeditionary programming. Since 2014, the USO has deployed teams directly into the exercise environment, creating a welcoming space where service members can relax, recharge and reconnect before heading back to training.
(Photo by USO Indo-Pacific)
(Photo by USO Indo-Pacific)
(Photo by USO Indo-Pacific)
Inside the USO tent, soldiers are greeted with something that may seem simple but is deeply impactful in the field, air conditioning. In fact, the USO tent is the only air-conditioned space available to service members during the exercise, offering immediate relief from Thailand’s intense heat and humidity after long hours of training outdoors.
But the tent offers more than just a break from the heat.
Service members gather around gaming stations and big screen TVs, challenge one another in friendly foosball tournaments or simply take a moment to sit and talk with teammates between missions. Free Wi-Fi allows them to send a quick message home, check in with loved ones or share a snapshot of their experience with family and friends thousands of miles away.
For many service members, these small moments make a big difference.
Sgt. Martin, a soldier from the U.S. Army’s 7th Infantry Division based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, summed it up simply when asked what draws him to the USO tent.
“The good A.C. and the good vibes,” he said with a smile.
His fellow soldiers had their own take on the popular gathering spot.
Spc. Martinez jokingly referred to the tent as “Camp Chilling-ton,” while Spc. Reynolds said the biggest draw was straightforward: “A.C. and the games.”
(Photo by USO Indo-Pacific)
(Photo by USO Indo-Pacific)
For the USO expeditionary team on the ground, hearing those reactions from service members reinforces why the mission matters.
“We’re super honored to be here and to be their first choice,” said Ashley DeBerry, USO Indo-Pacific Regional Operations Specialist – Expeditionary. “The climate is really rough. It’s incredibly hot outside with grueling temperatures. It’s nice to be that one place where they can cool off, rest, relax and just have a good time.”
Throughout Cobra Gold, the USO Indo-Pacific expeditionary team works closely with military leadership and exercise planners to ensure service members have access to these moments of connection and comfort. The effort reflects the USO’s enduring commitment to supporting those who serve wherever they are needed.
