Photo By Joseph Siemandel | Royal Thai Air Force Group Captain Nat Kamintra waves goodbye to a KC-35 from the...... read more read more
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The Washington National Guard and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) further deepened their longstanding partnership through the State Partnership Program during the RTAF’s 88th anniversary celebration at Don Muang Air Force Base on March 7-8, 2025.
The event marked the RTAF’s first major airshow since 2012, an impressive feat accomplished with just three months of planning. Among the distinguished attendees was Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh, the adjutant general for the Washington National Guard, who represented the United States Air Force and the National Guard’s State Partnership Program at the event.
“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 highly anticipated airshow drew massive crowds from across Thailand, including the nation’s King and Queen, who personally met with representatives from each demonstration team.
“The impact the team had cannot be overstated—Team USA won today,” Welsh remarked, emphasizing the significance of the U.S. presence at the event.
The anniversary celebration featured a diverse array of activities, including aerial performances, static aircraft displays, exhibitions, and an international 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 defense 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.”
Beyond the airshow, the visit also provided an opportunity for Welsh to engage in high-level discussions with key leaders, including U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert Godec and senior officials from the Royal Thai Air Force.
“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.”
| Date Taken: | 03.12.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.13.2025 10:35 |
| Story ID: | 492680 |
| Location: | CAMP MURRAY, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 100 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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