Leaders from the Royal Thai Air Force and the Washington Air National Guard have concluded a pivotal planning conference, laying the groundwork for a historic engagement in the Kingdom of Thailand later this year. The focus of this much-anticipated exercise will be a first-of-its-kind air refueling training conducted by the Washington Air National Guard’s 141st Air Refueling Wing, alongside the Oregon National Guard’s 142nd Fighter Wing and a Royal Thai Air Force fighter group.
The planning conference was marked by a sense of excitement and anticipation as both parties recognized the significance of this joint effort. Brig. Gen. Gent Welsh, commander of the Washington Air National Guard, expressed the importance of the exercise, stating, “There are a lot of eyes on this exercise that we are planning. The opportunity to have two National Guard states participate together and work with our counterparts in the Royal Thai Air Force on a first-of-its-kind air refueling exercise is exciting for all involved.”
The concept for the air refueling exercise began earlier this year, with leaders from the three organizations coming together to explore the potential for this unique training opportunity. The idea rapidly progressed from conception to practical implementation, thanks to the collaborative efforts of all involved parties.
Group Capt. Anurruk Romnarak from the Royal Thai Air Force expressed appreciation for the partnership with the Washington Air National Guard and shared enthusiasm for the upcoming exercise. “We appreciate this relationship with the Washington Air National Guard and are very excited about this exercise,” he stated. “This should be a very enjoyable exercise, good experience, and one that will be historic for both partners.”
While the primary focus of the planning conference was on the air refueling exercise, the participants also discussed the potential for future training opportunities. Airmen from the 141st Air Refueling Wing, 194th Wing, and Western Air Defense Sector explored ways to support the State Partnership Program objectives in the Kingdom of Thailand, showcasing the commitment to strengthening bilateral military ties and enhancing regional security cooperation.
The upcoming air refueling exercise in Thailand represents a significant milestone for all parties involved. The collaboration between the Washington Air National Guard and the Royal Thai Air Force signifies a strengthened partnership between the two nations, fostering mutual understanding and enhancing interoperability.
The Washington National Guard and the Kingdom of Thailand have been partners in the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program since 2002.
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