The National Guard

08/15/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/15/2024 12:06

Washington National Guard, Thai Airmen Strengthen Ties

CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - The Washington Air National Guard, Pacific Air Forces and Royal Thai Air Force wrapped up the 11th Airman-to-Airman talks at Camp Murray Aug. 8.

"It's been a great week and always nice to spend time with old friends and make new ones," said Brig. Gen. Ken Borchers, commander, Washington ANG. "Having been through a number of these Airman-to-Airman talks, we've found some very achievable goals and will work to complete them together."

The talks focused on air mobility, interoperability and U.S. Space Force programs. Participants visited the Western Air Defense Sector, 143rd Cyber Operations Squadron, 116th Air Support Operations Squadron and the Joint Operations Center on Camp Murray.

"PACAF understands the immense benefit gained from learning from our partners," said Air Vice Marshal Carl Newman, PACAF deputy commander. "The relationships between PACAF, the Washington Air National Guard and the Royal Thai Air Force strengthen us all."

Since 2002, the Washington National Guard and the Royal Thai Armed Forces have benefited from a relationship through the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program. This year marks the 191st year the Kingdom of Thailand and the United States have been military allies and economic partners.

"From the U.S. perspective, Thailand is an incredibly important and key ally," Newman said.

Air Marshal Krisda Supich, deputy chief of Air Staff for Operations with the Royal Thai Air Force, echoed the sentiments.

"Our goal is to grow our relationships stronger and stronger with the Washington Air National Guard," Supich said. "These Airman-to-Airman talks will help us increase our exercise capabilities and will be able to take information back to expand those abilities. I feel we came to Washington and accomplished everything that we wanted to do. We built a plan and it is one that we are excited about."

The Airman-to-Airman talks will continue later this year.

"Thank you again for all your efforts over the week. They will move us forward with our relationships and help our respective countries contribute to the security of our region," Newman said. "Your work is vitally important."