An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Feb. 28, 2019

West Va. Guard and Qatar share insights through exchange

By Capt. Holli Nelson West Virginia National Guard

AL UDEID, Qatar - The West Virginia Air National Guard (WVANG) and Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) recently held the first official State Partnership Program (SPP) engagement between the two partner nations’ air forces at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Feb. 10-14.

During the five-day tour, three members of the WVANG’s 130th Airlift Wing and 167th Airlift Wing – Col. Patrick Chard, Maj. Alex Hanna, and Chief Master Sgt. Todd Kirkwood, as well as SPP Coordinator for Qatar, U.S. Army Capt. Allen Jordan – were provided insight into the operations of Qatar’s air force and met with crucial QEAF leaders for a discussion on interoperability of forces and future engagement opportunities.

While visiting the QEAF Airlift Wing, commanded by Col. Hamaad Hadeed, the West Virginia National Guard delegation received a first-hand look at the operations and maintenance training facilities used by the QEAF and met with both the 10th and 12th Squadron Commanders, Maj. Yousuf Al-Hussaini and Capt. Fahad Al-Kuwari.

The QEAF operates both the C-130J and C-17A aircraft, similar airframes to what the 130th and 167th Airlift Wings operate.

"Not only do we share common airframes with the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF), but we also share a collective mission focus and a desire to improve our operational capabilities. This partnership will prove mutually beneficial to both the WVANG and the QEAF," said Chard, who commands the 130th Airlift Wing’s Maintenance Group in Charleston, W. Va.

The team from the WVANG had an opportunity to view the Al Zaeem Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al Attiya Air Academy. The academy is a pristine Air Force Training center complete with a state-of-the-art C-17 aircraft simulator and loadmaster training system. The system is similar to the simulator used at the 167th AW in Martinsburg, W.Va., and provides the QEAF with advanced training capabilities for Qatari aircrew.

The QEAF is in the final stages of constructing a world-class Aerospace Physiology and Training Center, which is under the direction of Brig. Gen. Mohammed Almarri. This facility provides the full spectrum of aircrew physiology training and simulation including a 6G flight simulator, rotary and fixed wing full motion spatial disorientation simulators, hypo- and hyperbaric altitude chambers, an ejection seat simulator, and combines aircrew screening and medical care for their aircrew personnel.

Chard noted that “The Qataris have demonstrated a commitment to building a highly capable Air Force through the procurement of new aircraft and investing in some world-class training technologies."

“This engagement was an important meeting in the newly established West Virginia – Qatar partnership that will build upon the United States’ longstanding relationship with Qatar and will allow us to discern possible bilateral opportunities in the future,” said U.S. Army Capt. Joshua Goforth, SPP director. “The West Virginia National Guard looks forward to the working alongside our Qatari partners to enhance interoperability of forces and grow our partnership.”

The QEAF and WVANG that would take place in the future to include topics of discussion on C-130 and C-17 maintenance, current operations, aeromedical evacuation and showcasing Air National Guard domestic response capabilities.

The WVNG has been partnered with the State of Qatar since May 2018 through the Department of Defense's SPP. The two nations work to develop and engage in mutually beneficial military-to-military, military-to-civilian, and civilian-to-civilian engagements to increase military and diplomatic capabilities, training interactions, interoperability, and to deter and disrupt criminal and terrorist activities in the Middle East region.

 

 

Related Articles
Civic leaders and newly commissioned U.S. Air Force pilot trainees gather with the 168th Wing KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew following an aerial refueling mission during Red Flag-Alaska 25-2, June 24, 2025. The event provided participants with a unique opportunity to witness the complex coordination and precision required for refueling U.S. and allied aircraft in flight. This experience highlighted the critical role the 168th Wing plays in sustaining readiness and strengthening defense capabilities throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Civic Leaders Fly With Alaska Air Guard During Red Flag Alaska 25-2
By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey, | July 3, 2025
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – The Alaska Air National Guard’s 168th Wing hosted a civic leader flight June 24 that offered local leaders an opportunity to view an aerial refueling mission over the Joint Pacific Alaska...

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa Command Surgeon and staff, along with the Ohio National Guard, visit medical students and doctors at the American Corner prior to attending the Platinum Wolf 25 Distinguished Visitor day in Bujanovac, Serbia, June 26, 2025. PW25 is an exercise focused on regional stability, partnership, and interoperability between the U.S., regional forces, and the Serbian Armed Forces, marking the first time Stamp and his staff attended in support of the medical teams that participated in the exercise.
Ohio Guard Attends Exercise Platinum Wolf in Serbia
By 1st Lt. Kaseyann Cornwall, | July 3, 2025
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany – Several high-ranking officials from U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, or USAFE-AFAFRICA, and the Ohio National Guard participated in the June 26 Distinguished Visitor day at Exercise...

A UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 140th Aviation, 96th Troop Command, Washington Army National Guard conducts water bucket training with Central Pierce Fire and Rescue, June 30, 2025, near Puyallup, Wash.
Washington Army Guard Trains in Water Bucket Operations
By Joseph Siemandel, | July 2, 2025
PUYALLUP, Wash. - To prepare for wildfire season, aviation crews from the Washington Army National Guard have been working to become certified in water bucket operations, completing as many repetitions as possible while...