On the 11th day of September, a grand spectacle took place at the Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base – a collaborative exercise involving the United States and Thailand. This undertaking embodied the dedication and mutual agreement of both nations to enhance military alliances and promote better understanding.
A notable battalion of around 230 US servicemen were on deck, hailing from the esteemed ranks of the Washington Air National Guard and the Oregon Air National Guard. They arrived with more than just determination and discipline, they brought with them an impressive arsenal of over 20 high-powered fighter aircraft pouring with might and readiness.
The aircraft arrayed a series of breath-taking drills, from mixed incongruous air-to-air combat courses to refuelling procedures in mid-air and intricate ground-controlled interception operations. Helming these exercises were the seasoned war veterans with vast experience, each bearing the fruits of more than 15 years of dedicated service.
Objectives of the Enduring Partners exercises were crystal clear. They were designed to boost readiness among the ranks of the Royal Thai Air Force and their US counterparts, fostering interoperability like never before. Beyond mere military goals, the exercise also aimed to nurture the bond of defence allegiance and reinforce the joint-venture of the National Guard Sponsored State Partnership Programme between the two allied nations.
The exercise was graced by the US Ambassador, Robert Frank Godec, in person. The ambassador not only observed but also took a firsthand experience of the aerial refuelling operations by accompanying the troops in a US KC-135 Stratotanker. The Washington Air National Guard, to whom the Stratotanker belonged, used it to refuel one of the F-15C Eagle fighter jets of the Oregon Air National Guard.
Additional activities during these drills included dry-refuelling connections between several Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) fighter jets, including F-16, F-5, and JAS-39. This was part of the joint air combat training, aiming to facilitate bilateral learning and expertise sharing.
Upon completion, the US servicemen had an enriching session of perspectives exchange with their RTAF peers, fostering a milieu ripe for mutual learning and cohesive collaboration.
The commander of the Washington Air National Guard, Brig-General Gent Welsh, was thrilled with the successful execution of the exercise. He emphatically underscored the strides made in improving interoperability, and the unified commitment of both countries to fortify regional security with such bilateral initiatives.
Indeed, the Enduring Partners Engagement 2023 earmarks a significant leap in US-Thai defence partnerships, setting a sturdy foundation for future joint endeavours to fortify regional security and nurture long-lasting alliances.
In a heartening chat with The Nation, Ambassador Godec highlighted that the upcoming year would mark a century of US and Thailand air forces’ collaboration, raising excitement for the next edition of the Enduring Partners Engagement, slated to be held in Washington.
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