Washington National Guard strengthen partnership during Malaysia logistics exchange

CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - Two Washington Army National Guard Soldiers traveled more than 7,000 miles this summer to share technical expertise with their Malaysian counterparts, strengthening one of the Washington National Guard's newest State Partnership Program relationships through a hands-on logistics exchange.

From July 24-31, Sgt. Willie John and Sgt. Stavie Neel, petroleum supply specialists assigned to the 181st Light Support Battalion, 81st Mobile Brigade Combat Team, conducted a subject matter expert exchange with a refueling team at Labuan Air Base, Malaysia. The weeklong engagement focused on the operation, safety and maintenance of the M978 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck tanker (HEMTT), providing Malaysian service members with practical instruction while reinforcing interoperability between the two partner forces.

While exercises often highlight infantry tactics, aviation operations or disaster response, military logistics serves as the foundation that enables every mission. The exchange demonstrated how sustainment professionals from both nations are building common procedures and relationships that improve readiness long before forces deploy together.

"There was strong teamwork and collaboration between U.S. Army and Royal Malaysian Air Force personnel throughout the training," John said in the after-action report. "Hands-on practical exercises significantly improved student confidence and proficiency in HEMTT operations."

The training was conducted under the National Guard State Partnership Program, which has connected the Washington National Guard with Malaysia since August 2017. Since then, the partnership has steadily expanded from senior leader engagements into recurring exchanges covering logistics, aviation, cyber, medical readiness and large-scale multinational exercises, supporting U.S. Indo-Pacific objectives while strengthening the Malaysian Armed Forces.

Throughout the week, instruction combined classroom academics with extensive hands-on practical exercises centered on operation of the M978 HEMTT tanker. Students received training on vehicle operation, safety procedures, preventive maintenance checks and services, troubleshooting and fuel distribution techniques that are essential to sustaining military operations in the field. Although separated by language and geography, Soldiers from both nations quickly established an effective working relationship built on professionalism, adaptability and a shared commitment to mission success.

"The training strengthened interoperability and reinforced the importance of multinational cooperation," John said.

For the Soldiers of the 181st Light Support Battalion, the mission represented more than teaching equipment operation. It was an opportunity to demonstrate how logistics professionals contribute to regional security by building trusted relationships with allied and partner nations.