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 | Dec. 19, 2024

Washington Guard, Royal Thai Army Complete Expert Exchange

By Joseph Siemandel, Joint Force Headquarters - Washington National Guard

CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - As part of a December tradition, Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 168th General Support Aviation, partnered with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Thai Army for a two-week aviation-focused subject matter expert exchange in Lopburi, Kingdom of Thailand.

“Washington National Guard Soldiers provided expertise in aviation standardization, maintenance, technical supply and logistics,” said Capt. Taylor Payne, commander of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 168th General Support Aviation.

The seven-member team reviewed the Royal Thai Army’s aviation operations, training, maintenance, supply chain and standards. They also assessed challenges and opportunities to strengthen future engagements and enhance aviation safety. A key part of the exchange, which ended Dec. 14, involved Washington aviation Soldiers working alongside aviators and maintainers from the 9th and 2nd Aviation Battalions on various aircraft.

“We are really focusing on partner nation joint operability,” said Payne. “Knowledge of aviation maintenance, safety, standardization, supply chains and operations is critical for fostering relationships and developing future collaborations.”

While the exchange centered on aviation, the relationship-building between soldiers of both nations emerged as one of the most valuable aspects. When not working on aircraft, the combined Thai and U.S. teams bonded over shared meals, sports and cultural exchanges.

“This was a genuinely rewarding experience,” said Sgt. William Johnston, a crew chief with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 168th General Support Aviation. “The soldiers of the 9th Battalion are extremely knowledgeable and always eager to learn how we maintain and operate our aircraft. They were very welcoming and ensured we were well taken care of both on and off duty. They valued the social interaction, were keen to practice English, and expressed aspirations of attending U.S. military training.”

The Washington National Guard and Thailand have been partners under the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program since 2002.
 

 

 

Related Articles
Photo of medical training during a Port Subject Matter Expert Exchange at the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, August 20, 2025. (Courtesy Photo)
Washington Guard Continues Strengthening Relationship at Thailand’s Port of Laem Chabang
By Joseph Siemandel, | Sept. 30, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - Four members of the Washington National Guard partnered recently with more than 170 employees from the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, to continue improving the port’s all-hazard response as part of the...

Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh, the adjutant general of the Washington National Guard, and Lt. Gen. Nur Hafis bin Abdul Karim, deputy chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force, exchange gifts during an office visit Sept. 12, 2025, at Camp Murray, Wash. The Washington National Guard and Malaysia have been partners through the National Guard State Partnership Program since August 2017.
Washington Guard Hosts Visit From Royal Malaysian Air Force Deputy Chief
By Joseph Siemandel, | Sept. 16, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - The Washington National Guard welcomed a senior delegation from Malaysia as part of its long-standing partnership Sept. 11 – 13 at Camp Murray and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. The delegation included...

Col. Craig Broyles, commander, 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, talks about the Infantry Squad Vehicle with visitors during Exercise Raven Focus at the Yakima Training Center, July 17, 2025.
Washington Army National Guard Selected for New Mobile Brigade
By Joseph Siemandel, | Sept. 10, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – The Washington Army National Guard’s 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team has been selected to take on a new mission and transform to a Mobile Brigade as part of a major U.S. Army modernization effort."Change...