CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - The Washington National Guard and the Royal Thai Air Force deepened their longstanding State Partnership Program partnership during the RTAF’s 88th-anniversary celebration at Don Muang Air Force Base March 7-8.
The event marked the RTAF’s first major airshow since 2012. Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh, the adjutant general for the Washington National Guard, represented the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program.
“The RTAF flawlessly executed its first major airshow in more than a decade,” said Welsh. “We participated with two forward-deployed Eielson-based F-35s from Kadena Air Force Base, the Air Combat Command Demo Team from Hill Air Force Base — flown by Maj. Melanie ‘MACH’ Kluesner — and a Washington Air National Guard KC-135 featuring our special ‘100 Years of Flight’ tail flash.”
The airshow drew massive crowds from across Thailand, including the nation’s king and queen, who met with representatives from each demonstration team.
“The impact the team had cannot be overstated. Team USA won today,” Welsh said.
The anniversary celebration featured aerial performances, static aircraft displays, exhibitions and a seminar attended by military and civilian leaders from various nations. The presence of multiple air forces underscored the event’s importance in fostering international cooperation and collaboration.
One of the most striking moments of the event was the juxtaposition of a Washington National Guard KC-135 taxiing near the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force demonstration team.
“It was something you don’t see every day,” Welsh noted. “A Washington National Guard KC-135 moving alongside aircraft from our greatest competitor in the world today.”
The visit also enabled Welsh to engage in high-level discussions with U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert Godec and senior Royal Thai Air Force officials.
“We truly have the best state partners in the National Guard,” said Welsh. “Huge thanks to the Royal Thai Air Force team. They are our allies, partners and, most importantly, friends.”