An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Dec. 13, 2018

Pa. Guard welcomes Lithuanians to Fort Indiantown Gap

By Sgt. Zane Craig Pennsylvania National Guard

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – Lithuania's vice minister of defense and other senior officials visited the Pennsylvania National Guard's Eastern Army National Guard Aviation Training Site (EAATS) here Dec. 5.

The delegation toured the Black Hawk Aircrew Trainer (BAT) simulation system, the Non-Rated Crewmember Manned Module (NCM3), and the Aviation Maintenance Instructional Building (AMIB).

The Lithuanian Armed Forces have begun the process of increasing their rotary wing aircraft capabilities. As the Pennsylvania National Guard's partner in the State Partnership Program, the Lithuanian delegation came to the EAATS to learn more about the Pennsylvania National Guard's rotary wing capabilities, extensive training possibilities, and expertise with the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in particular. 

In addition to Vytautas Umbrasas, the vice minister of defense, the Lithuanian delegation included Saulius Gasiunas, the director of the Department of Transatlantic Cooperation, Col. Alvydas Siuparis, the embassy defense attache, and Lt. Col. Grazvydas Liubinas, deputy defense attache.

After touring the EAATS facilities, the delegation boarded a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter for an aerial tour of Fort Indiantown Gap and demonstration of the Black Hawk's capabilities in flight.

The Pennsylvania National Guard State Partnership Program with the Lithuanian Armed Forces began April 27, 1993, as Lithuania regained its independence from the Soviet Union. The training at the EAATS consists of more than 28 formal courses providing technical and functional training to over 1,500 Soldiers annually from all 54 states and territories, the active Army, Army Reserves and various international military students.

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Anthony Gonzalez, fire protection craftsman assigned to the 156th Civil Engineer Squadron, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, extinguishes a fire during a Deployment for Training (DFT) at Aviano Air Base, Italy, June 25, 2025. During the DFT, the 156th CES developed their skill proficiency in a new area of responsibility while supporting real-world projects that support the U.S. European Command operations.
Puerto Rico Air Guard Conducts Deployment for Training at Aviano
By Senior Airman Victoria Jewett, | July 7, 2025
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy — U.S. Airmen with the Puerto Rico Air National Guard 156th Civil Engineer Squadron conducted a Deployment for Training June 16-27 in Italy to develop their skills proficiency within the U.S. European...

Airmen from the 168th Wing Medical Group, along with their counterparts from other Air National Guard units, conduct radiation monitoring during field training at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, June 2025. The training enhances the unit’s ability to detect and respond to radiological threats in deployed or contingency environments.
Alaska Air Guard 168th Medical Group Trains for High-Stakes Missions
By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey, | July 7, 2025
ALPENA COMBAT READINESS TRAINING CENTER, Mich. — The Alaska Air National Guard 168th Wing Medical Group continues to strengthen its operational edge, proving lethality in today’s battlespace isn’t just about combat power -...

Civic leaders and newly commissioned U.S. Air Force pilot trainees gather with the 168th Wing KC-135 Stratotanker aircrew following an aerial refueling mission during Red Flag-Alaska 25-2, June 24, 2025. The event provided participants with a unique opportunity to witness the complex coordination and precision required for refueling U.S. and allied aircraft in flight. This experience highlighted the critical role the 168th Wing plays in sustaining readiness and strengthening defense capabilities throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Civic Leaders Fly With Alaska Air Guard During Red Flag Alaska 25-2
By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey, | July 3, 2025
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – The Alaska Air National Guard’s 168th Wing hosted a civic leader flight June 24 that offered local leaders an opportunity to view an aerial refueling mission over the Joint Pacific Alaska...