CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - The Washington Air National Guard hosted Pacific Air Forces and Royal Malaysian Air Force senior leaders for the seventh annual Airman-to-Airman Talks Feb. 11-13.
The talks are an Air Force-specific part of the bilateral defense talks that occur annually between the United States and Malaysia.
“I’m delighted and honored with the opportunity to host our partners from Pacific Air Force and the Royal Malaysian Air Force for this important event,” said Brig. Gen. Kenneth Borchers, commander, Washington Air National Guard. “Our state partnership relationship with Malaysia has made enormous strides in the past few years. I’m excited to capitalize on this momentum as we look to a promising future of even greater cooperation and interoperability.”
Washington and Malaysia have been partners through the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program since 2017.
During the three-day program, Airmen participated in working groups to plan future engagements and share best practices. They discussed enlisted and female professional development, air domain awareness and exercise and engagements.
“The reason we do this is to help strengthen relationships with allies and partners in the Pacific theatre,” said William Riggle, Pacific Air Forces Malaysia desk officer and event organizer. “The Royal Malaysian Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, and Washington Air National Guard have similar areas of interest, so this bilateral engagement program works really well.”
Since the Washington National Guard and Malaysia began their partnership, they have deepened their bonds through continued subject matter exchanges and exercises.
“It’s a great experience to work with our international partners and see where we can learn from them and they from us,” said Master Sgt. Zach Rosenberg, an enlisted development working group participant. “Despite our different force structures, we face some similar challenges.”