Thai air chief visit fosters strategic relationship

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jerome S. Tayborn
  • Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  The Royal Thai Air Force Commander-in-Chief met with his Pacific Air Forces counterpart during a visit here Sept. 7 to 10.

Air Chief Marshal Itthaporn Subhawong and Gen. Gary North, PACAF commander, spent time together strengthening the long-standing relationship and paving the way for continued cooperation between the two air powers.

"The U.S. and Thailand have been close military partners since the mid-20th century," said Maj. Adrian Galang, PACAF Philippines and Thailand desk officer. "We share the common strategic objective of peace and security in the region and this visit continued to strengthen the relationship with our close ally, which helps preserve regional stability."

Galang also said the visit was important to PACAF and the Royal Thai Air Force because it helped to familiarize ACM Itthaporn on the diverse missions and airmen of PACAF.

The visit included a distinguished visitor's honor ceremony hosted by North and the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Honor Guard, followed by a command priorities briefing during which the two air chiefs discussed common concerns and explored opportunities to increase regional cooperation.

Itthaporn also participated in a special Pearl Harbor barge tour and wreath laying ceremony at the USS Arizona Memorial site, in addition to receiving a narrated tour of the Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island.

This visit was Itthaporn's fourth visit to the island and he was accompanied on his trip by his wife, Mrs. Napaporn Subhawong. His last visit was during the Pacific Air Chiefs Conference in November 2009.