Bangkok, Thailand – February 16, 2024: A joint Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and United States Navy (USN) light salvage operation of the HTMS Sukhothai is underway following the arrival of the U.S. Ocean Valor in Thailand on February 16.
Seventeen USN personnel from a Mobile Dive and Salvage Unit homeported in Hawaii will take part in the operation. The Ocean Valor will depart on February 19 for the HTMS Sukhothai, which sank in the Gulf of Thailand in December 2022. Initial mission dives will commence on February 22.
The involved USN personnel were previously scheduled to be in Thailand for this year’s Cobra Gold exercises, now in its 43rd iteration. This operation will include training elements for the exercise as well as the light salvage of the HTMS Sukhothai.
To ensure the safety and security of all personnel, the RTN will enforce a no-sail zone around the site.
This operation is emblematic of and made possible by the long-term friendship between the U.S. and Thai navies, and through decades of joint exercises and people-to-people ties. The U.S. and Thai navies are committed to conducting a safe and thorough salvage that honors the lost sailors and aims to bring some closure to their families, friends, and colleagues.
Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available. For any questions about the operation, please contact the RTN or the Public Affairs Section at U.S. Embassy Bangkok. For any questions about Cobra Gold, please contact the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) Public Affairs or the Public Affairs Section at U.S. Embassy Bangkok.