CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – Since officially becoming partners in 2002, airmen from the Royal Thai Air Force and Washington Air National Guard have built a solid relationship based on professionalism and mutual respect.
That was apparent during the sixth Airmen-to-Airmen talks, held for the first time in Washington state Aug. 26-29.
“I believe every time we talk the bonds of friendship have grown stronger and stronger,” said Royal Thai Air Force Air Marshal Tarin Punsri. “We are very happy with what was discussed.”
The talks were designed to strengthen relationships between U.S. and Royal Thai Air Force personnel, create better interoperability and plan future training. Airmen from U.S. Air Force Pacific also took part in the historic event.
“I want to thank Air Marshal Tarin and his team for coming to Washington for the sixth Airmen-to-Airmen talks,” said Maj. Gen. Brian Killough, PACAF deputy commander. “We appreciate the deepening of our airmen-to-airmen partnerships between our two countries.”
Following the talks, both organizations signed an agreement to cooperate in cyber defense, air domain awareness, exercises and engagements and logistics.
“We value our relationship, now 17 years strong, with Thailand and we always look forward to working with our Thai counterparts,” said Brig. Gen. Jeremy Horn, commander of the Washington Air National Guard. “We want our young officers to meet and build relationships with the Thai young officers and grow old together.”