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Wednesday, Mar 18, 2026
Outside the box.
Washington National Guard Marks Foundation Day with Homeland Defense Exercises
Ceremony and readiness drills underscore commitment to supporting state and national security missions
The Washington National Guard convened its annual Foundation Day observance with a series of ceremonies and readiness activities designed to reinforce its role in homeland defence and support to civilian authorities.
The event, held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, brought together Guard members, senior military leaders and civilian partners to commemorate the Guard’s historical legacy while demonstrating capabilities relevant to contemporary security challenges.
Governor Jay Inslee, serving as commander-in-chief of the Washington National Guard, delivered remarks that emphasised the organisation’s readiness to support both state emergency response and national defence missions.
He highlighted the Guard’s dual role, which includes responding to natural disasters such as wildfires and flooding, as well as contributing to broader security frameworks in concert with federal authorities.
During Foundation Day activities, units conducted homeland defence exercises that showcased rapid mobilisation, coordination with local and federal partners and integration of advanced communication systems.
Senior leaders underscored the strategic importance of these drills in maintaining high preparedness levels for a range of contingencies, from domestic emergencies to support for national defence operations.
Brigadier General Michelle Robinson, Deputy Adjutant General of the Washington National Guard, noted that the event underscores a commitment to innovation and mission readiness.
She said that evolving threats require continuous training and investment in personnel and technology to ensure the Guard remains able to fulfil its missions effectively.
Members of the Guard also participated in community outreach initiatives as part of the observance, strengthening ties with local residents and reinforcing the Guard’s role as a trusted partner in state security.
The Foundation Day observance reflects broader efforts by U.S. National Guard units to enhance resilience and interoperability with civilian agencies and the U.S. Department of Defense.
As part of these efforts, the Washington National Guard continues to expand training opportunities, modernise equipment and build capacity to address both traditional and emerging security demands.
The event, held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, brought together Guard members, senior military leaders and civilian partners to commemorate the Guard’s historical legacy while demonstrating capabilities relevant to contemporary security challenges.
Governor Jay Inslee, serving as commander-in-chief of the Washington National Guard, delivered remarks that emphasised the organisation’s readiness to support both state emergency response and national defence missions.
He highlighted the Guard’s dual role, which includes responding to natural disasters such as wildfires and flooding, as well as contributing to broader security frameworks in concert with federal authorities.
During Foundation Day activities, units conducted homeland defence exercises that showcased rapid mobilisation, coordination with local and federal partners and integration of advanced communication systems.
Senior leaders underscored the strategic importance of these drills in maintaining high preparedness levels for a range of contingencies, from domestic emergencies to support for national defence operations.
Brigadier General Michelle Robinson, Deputy Adjutant General of the Washington National Guard, noted that the event underscores a commitment to innovation and mission readiness.
She said that evolving threats require continuous training and investment in personnel and technology to ensure the Guard remains able to fulfil its missions effectively.
Members of the Guard also participated in community outreach initiatives as part of the observance, strengthening ties with local residents and reinforcing the Guard’s role as a trusted partner in state security.
The Foundation Day observance reflects broader efforts by U.S. National Guard units to enhance resilience and interoperability with civilian agencies and the U.S. Department of Defense.
As part of these efforts, the Washington National Guard continues to expand training opportunities, modernise equipment and build capacity to address both traditional and emerging security demands.
