Chief of Defence of Lithuania Lt Gen Valdemaras Rupšys notes that the interoperability between the U.S. and the Lithuanian Armed Forces is not something given but rather obtained through hard work and joint training. “If a threat emerges, Lithuanian military would be the first line of defence of their home but U.S. support is critical for both, strengthening the NATO position in the eastern flank of Europe and for deterrence of adversarial forces,” he said at the Hand Over/Take Over ceremony on February 2 at the General Silvestras Žukauskas Training Area in Pabradė.
“Russia’s war in Ukraine demonstrates the strategic importance of the Allied presence on NATO’s eastern flank. This seventh consecutive heel-to-toe rotation of U.S. forces to Lithuania is a clear signal that the United States’ commitment to the NATO alliance is ironclad,” says U.S. Ambassador Robert Gilchrist.
The American troops have deployed to complete the 9-month rotation in Lithuania from the home base at Fort Hood in Texas. While in Lithuania, they will be building Allied interoperability through intense training.
The Mustangs (1-8), 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, and the Rolling Thunder (3-16), 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, U.S. Army, settled in at Camp Herkus built specifically for Allied troops at the Lithuanian Armed Forces Training Area in Pabradė. The facility has the necessary infrastructure for suitable training and living conditions for Allied forces, such as barracks, administrative quarters, mess halls, logistical platforms, etc.
The U.S. is Lithuania’s strategic partner and one of the key Allies for the security of the Baltic region. The Americans are actively engaged in security assurance in the Baltic states strengthening regional security and stability. The U.S. supports our defence with troops, equipment and funds.
