Washington Guard Aviators Receive Air and Space Achievement Medal for Thailand Mission

During the December drill weekend, soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 168th General Support Aviation were awarded the Air and Space Achievement Medal by Brig. Gen. Ken Borchers for their role in the Enduring Partners 2025 mission in Thailand.

This mission enhanced interoperability between the Washington Air National Guard and the Royal Thai Air Force, involving the rapid deployment of UH-60M aircraft. The operation allowed U.S. aircrews to gain experience in foreign airspace and integrate with Thai support elements.

The Enduring Partners program, which expanded this year, included participation from the 96th Aviation Troop Command and airmen from the Utah Air National Guard. The mission also involved transporting and reassembling UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters in Thailand.

Four members of the unit received the Order of St. Michael during the ceremony, recognizing significant contributions to Army Aviation.