"I think this experience proves that the Transatlantic bond is strong and we look forward to maintaining and strengthening it in the future. We are grateful to the Government of Lithuania for the work done to host the American troops. I am certain it will significantly benefit both, Lithuania and the United States in further developing our friendship,” Ambassador of the United States to Lithuania HE Robert S. Gilchrist underscored at the event.
“This nine-month deployment has truly been productive not only in terms of strengthening our partnership in security, but also on a much broader scale. The 1-9 CAV greatly appreciates the tremendous support it received from Lithuanian people who have been extremely welcoming and friendly, were keen on teaching American soldiers about Lithuanian culture, while soldiers took part in community work-related activities both in Pabrade and elsewhere,” Commander of the U.S. battalion Lt Col Stephen Johnson said.
The 1st Battalion, 9th U.S. Cavalry Regiment (1-9th Cav), 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Army held a farewell ceremony on June 12, Friday, at the General Silvestras Žukauskas Training Area (Pabradė subregional municipality, Švenčionys region) on June 12. The symbolic end of 1-9th Cav rotation in Lithuania was marked by ceremonious casing of the Battalion’s colours and the Battalion’s and U.S. Army songs sung on such occasions.
The 1st Battalion, 9th U.S. Cavalry Regiment (1-9th Cav), 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Army, originally based at Fort Hood in Texas, was deployed and training in Lithuania from October 2019 to summer of this year. The U.S. troops were deployed in Lithuania with the heavy Battalion’s equipment - approx. 30 Abrams tanks, over 20 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, other vehicles. In its turn, Lithuania ensured full Host Nation Support - accommodation, logistical support, access to training area infrastructure.
The U.S. troops were conducting combat training events and exercises of medium scale, shared professional expertise with Lithuanian colleagues while in Lithuania. The U.S. soldiers were also engaged outside of their base in Lithuania and direct tasks: they helped setting up a gym at General Povilas Plechavičius Cadet Lyceum School and gladly attended community events a number of times.
When the new railhead of Pabradė-Pažeimenė railway line of national importance was built in late May, it was tested out by the first NATO allies – the outgoing U.S. rotation. The new transportation capability improved conditions for deploying military vehicles and equipment of NATO allies to the General Silvestras Žukauskas Training Area of the Lithuanian Armed Forces near Pabradė.
Lithuania is investing into infrastructure development in the Lithuanian Armed Forces training area in Pabradė and elsewhere, and is improving other Host Nation Support elements in order to provide conditions for efficient training, combat readiness, and deterrence that are ensured by allies deployed in Lithuania. U.S. soldiers, as well as Lithuanians and troops of other allies, are not only using the military training infrastructure but also help to upgrade it. In 2017–2019 the U.S. invested roughly 4.1 million U.S. dollars into the Pabradė training area alone.
