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 | Sept. 5, 2019

West Va. Air Guard and Qatar share insights through exchange

By Maj. Holli Nelson West Virginia National Guard

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar – Four members of the West Virginia Air National Guard's (WVANG) 167th Airlift Wing (167th AW) and 130th Airlift Wing (130th AW) recently took part in a current operations subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Aug. 18 - 22.

The week-long event was part of the National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program (SPP) between West Virginia and Qatar, which has been building for over a year.

Capt. Ryan Day, C-17 pilot and chief of current operations, and Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Windle, a C-17 loadmaster, both from the 167th AW, joined Capt. Shawn Porter, C-130 pilot and chief of current operations, and Master Sgt. James Harper, a C-130 loadmaster, for the trip. The WVANG cohort worked alongside members of the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) for the SMEE.

Throughout the exchange, the WVANG experts shared information on mission planning, scheduling, aircraft, and airport loading, as well as contingency planning for changes and weather.

"The exchange was an opportunity for the QEAF and WVANG to develop relationships between the pilots and loadmasters who may work alongside one another as our partnership flourishes," said U.S. Army Capt. Allen Jordan, SPP coordinator - Qatar. "This exchange allows our militaries to determine best practices concerning air force operations that will improve operational efficiency for both organizations and create future opportunities for interoperability."

"This SMEE provided the 130th and 167th the opportunity to understand the basic architecture of how the Qatari Operations Cell develops, designs, and executes missions for the C-17 and C-130 Squadrons," said Porter.

The QEAF currently operates both the C-17 Globemaster III and the C-130J Super Hercules, among other aircraft in their inventory.

"The meetings with our partner, the Qatari Air Force, was very informational and important to both our organizations moving forward," said Harper. "I particularly enjoyed the informal discussions where we could sit and discuss techniques, practices, and have an open line of communication. We all left the meetings encouraged by the progress and looking forward to next time we could work together."

This SMEE was the second WVANG-QEAF meeting held since the announcement of the partnership in May 2018. This marks the second partner nation for the WVNG and the sixth SPP country in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility for the National Guard.

Through the partnership with Qatar, the WVNG seeks to increase military and diplomatic cooperation, develop and expand defense capabilities and mutually beneficial training interactions. Also, the two entities work closely together to improve interoperability of forces and deter and disrupt criminal and terrorist activities in the region.

 

 

Related Articles
The 111th Electromagnetic Warfare Company conducts training exercise, Operation Golden Corridor in Dahlonega, Georgia, August 15, 2025. Throughout the duration of the exercise, Soldiers simulated peer and near-peer electromagnetic warfare scenarios and enhance unit proficiency in spectrum mapping, RF detection, and alternative radar awareness capabilities under austere conditions.
Georgia Guard Company Leads in Electromagnetic Warfare Modernization
By | Aug. 27, 2025
DAHLONEGA, Ga. - The Georgia Army National Guard’s 111th Electromagnetic Warfare Company, based in Forest Park, Georgia, is rapidly establishing itself as a leader in the Army’s modernization efforts within the...

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard, and the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, participated in the annual Logan-Duffy Shooting Match, August 21, 2025, at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. The history of the Logan Duffy Rifle Match goes back nearly 90 years to the first match, which was held in 1936.
Massachusetts, New York Guard Members Compete in Historic Logan-Duffy Rifle Competition
By Sgt. 1st Class Steven Eaton,   | Aug. 27, 2025
DEVENS, Mass. – Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard, and the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, participated in the annual Logan-Duffy...

An Alaska Air National Guard HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 210th Rescue Squadron a real-world rescue operation at Point MacKenzie, Alaska, Sept. 1, 2022. After a Christen A-1 Husky crashed into a marsh, National Guardsmen rappelled and conducted a rescue operation, ensuring the aircraft was safely vacated. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Julia Lebens)
Alaska Air Guard Rescues Individual With Facial Laceration Near Knik Glacier
By Alejandro Pena, | Aug. 27, 2025
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Alaska Air National Guard members with the 176th Wing rescued an individual with a facial laceration Aug. 25, about 40 miles northeast of Anchorage in the vicinity of Knik Glacier.The...