AUGUST 14, 2024 – Four Washington National Guard members from 1st Battalion, 168th General Support Aviation, shared aviation maintenance knowledge with their partners in the Royal Thai Army’s 9th Aviation Battalion in Lop Buri, Thailand, July 26 to Aug. 10.
“We worked side-by-side with the Royal Thai Army soldiers to exchange knowledge of the UH-60 Black Hawk maintenance practices and operations,” said Sgt. Michael Cummings, a crew chief with 1-168th GSAB. “The group participated in classroom briefings and hands-on aircraft training.”
The team also identified challenges and opportunities in the Royal Thai Army’s aviation operations, training, maintenance, supply and standards.
“We are able to build a foundation for future engagements and prevent aviation mishaps in Thailand,” said Capt. Taylor Payne, commander, Headquarters Company, 1-168th GSAB.
The Washington National Guard and Thailand have been partners in the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program since 2002.
Payne has led subject matter exchanges with the Royal Thai Army’s aviation units for the past couple of years. He has seen tremendous growth in the program.
“We place an emphasis on maintenance and safety when we are in Thailand,“ he said. “We could go in and fix their aircraft every time we visit, but we are working with them to develop their program with an emphasis on the international relationships, continuing the growth of the program.”
At the end of 2023, Payne led a team to Lopburi focused on safety, maintenance and search and rescue operations.
“It was important for them to understand how we utilize the airframes and share those best practices and experiences along the way,” said Payne.
It wasn’t all work during the subject matter expert exchange. The team from Washington took part in a sports day and visited heritage sites and a live Muay Thai match.
“The overall cultural exchanges continue to strengthen the international relationships between our two nations,” said Cummings. “Soldiers continue to make personal connections with their Thai counterparts, and we look forward to working together again in the future.”
The two units have already scheduled a future exchange to continue developing the program.
“We enjoy working with our Thai counterparts and are excited for the next exchange,” said Payne.
By Joseph Siemandel
Joint Force Headquarters – Washington National Guard