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 | March 25, 2024

Pennsylvania National Guard Hosts Lithuania Foreign Minister

By Maj. Travis Mueller, Joint Force Headquarters - Pennsylvania National Guard

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – Lithuania Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis branded the Pennsylvania National Guard’s cooperation with Lithuania as “exemplary” during a U.S. visit March 23.

Maj. Gen. James McCormack, the assistant adjutant general of Pennsylvania, and other members of the Pennsylvania National Guard hosted a Lithuanian delegation that included Landsbergis and Audra Plepytė, Lithuanian ambassador to the United States.

The Pennsylvania National Guard and Lithuanian armed forces have been partners for over 30 years as part of the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program. The SPP is guided by State Department foreign policy goals and facilitates military-to-military engagements.

“Gabrielius Landsbergis’ visit to Fort Indiantown Gap underscores the strong partnership between the PA National Guard and our SPP partner, Lithuania,” said McCormack. “It’s an honor to host him, and we value the opportunity to exchange insights and strengthen our alliance further.”

McCormack and Maj. Alex Stewart, Pennsylvania’s SPP program director, gave the Lithuanian delegation a tour that included Fort Indiantown Gap’s Training Support Center, live fire ranges and the Eastern Army National Guard Aviation Training Site at Muir Army Heliport.

“Visits like these are crucial for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between our nations,” said McCormack. “They provide an invaluable opportunity to discuss shared security challenges, enhance interoperability and reaffirm our commitment to the defense of our allies.”

Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said priorities of the partnership include assistance developing command capabilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces division, training UH-60 Black Hawk crews and developing resilience to cyber threats together with the Regional Cyber Defence Centre in Lithuania.

“The exemplary cooperation of Lithuania and the Pennsylvania National Guard strengthens transatlantic security and our readiness to face threats,” said Landsbergis. “We are grateful to the [service members] of the Pennsylvania National Guard for more than 30 years of engagement and a strong relationship based on mutual benefit and respect.”

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. Army Spc. Ray Ortiz, an infantryman assigned to 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, defends his post during exercise Strong Griffin at Pabrade Training Area, Lithuania, Oct. 27, 2024. Soldiers spent their two-week annual training period augmenting the 1st Cavalry Division forces participating in Strong Griffin — a Lithuanian-led NATO field exercise focused on training Lithuanian forces and enhancing interoperability with partner nation units.
Pennsylvania Guard Soldiers Participate in Lithuania Exercise
By Brad Rhen, | Nov. 15, 2024
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – Soldiers from the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team participated in Exercise Strong Griffin in Lithuania.A total of 71 Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry...

Two members from the 171st Air Refueling Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, share best practices about hot pit refueling on a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft with the Lithuanian Air Force during a State Partnership Program engagement May 2, 2024, in Siauliai, Lithuania. Pennsylvania and Lithuania have been partners for over 30 years.
Pennsylvania Guard, Lithuania Strengthen Partnership
By Staff Sgt. Zoe Wockenfuss, | June 7, 2024
SIAULIAI, Lithuania - State Partnership Program partners Pennsylvania and Lithuania shared best practices and capabilities over four days in Lithuania, strengthening their enduring relationship.From April 29 to May 2,...

Soldiers from the Lithuanian Armed Forces conduct training with Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers from the 1-110th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, on the M3 Multi-Role Anti-Armor/Anti-Personnel Weapon System March 15, 2024, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa.
Lithuanian Soldiers Train Pennsylvania Guard on Weapon System
By Brad Rhen, | March 22, 2024
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. - Soldiers from the Lithuanian Armed Forces recently trained Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers on the M3 Multi-Role Anti-Armor/Anti-Personnel Weapon System.Lithuanian soldiers from the Griffin...