Service members and distinguished visitors from more than 10 participating nations were addressed by Mongolian President Tsakhia Elbegdorj, Mongolian Armed Forces Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Ts. Byambajav and U.S. Army Pacific Commanding General Lt. Gen. Francis J. Wiercinski.

"Securing peace and stability worldwide requires not only conviction but an act of participation as well," said Elbegdorj. "Mongolia has made an unwavering choice to join the priceless efforts of the U.N. and peace-loving nations aimed at bringing peace and justice to troubled areas of our planet and fostering social, political and economic conditions for safeguarding human rights."

Khaan Quest is a multinational exercise sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific and hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces in partnership with U.S. Pacific Command. It has been conducted annually since 2003.

"Our nation actively strives to broaden multilateral cooperation with all countries around the world and safeguard our security through political and diplomatic means," said Byambajav. "Khaan Quest started as a joint event co-hosted with the U.S. Marine Corps. Since 2006, Khaan Quest (has grown) into the current regional multinational exercise, which operates with the support of the U.S. Pacific Command and Global Peace Operations Initiative. More than 5,000 (service members) from 20 nations have seen this remarkable experience."

This year’s exercise will feature more than 1,000 participants, according to Wiercinski.

"This year marks the 25th anniversary (of relations) between Mongolia and the U.S.," said Wiercinski. "The relationship has grown and matured over the last quarter century into the valued partnership it is today. The enduring success of this exercise is the fruit of that productive and meaningful relationship."

The exercise trains nations to work together to ensure the success of peace keeping operations, according to Elbegdorj.

"I am excited to take part in Exercise Khaan Quest," said Cpl. Stephen E. Jones, a squad leader with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. "It will present a good training opportunity for everyone involved.

"I am interested in seeing how their military operates as well as bettering ourselves by learning different ways to complete the training objectives we are given."

Success of Khaan Quest has always come from interoperability and friendship between the various nations.

"People are our business," said Wiercinski. "As important as building (multinational) interoperability is, the opportunity to improve our individual cultural awareness and develop friendships is also so greatly important. As we begin to train, I would like to challenge (everyone to) take the opportunity to truly know your partners, not just as fellow professionals, but as people."