"We are grateful to the Pennsylvania National Guard for all the support it provides to the development of Lithuania's military capabilities, which directly contributes to strengthening Lithuania's security. We will celebrate the 30th anniversary of our cooperation next year and this cooperation is very important for us. The United States remains the cornerstone of security and defense in the Baltic region. We are also pleased to see PANG troops training in Lithuania," Anusauskas said in a statement released by the Ministry of National Defense.
The minister and the general discussed the existing regional security situation, support for Ukraine, joint projects and further cooperation. Anusauskas highlighted the desire to maintain a permanent presence of US combat forces in Lithuania, the statement said.
Currently, the 1st Battalion of PANG's 109th Field Artillery Regiment is taking part in the Exercise Flaming Thunder in Lithuania with their weaponry. The Flaming Thunder exercise is part of the United States Army Europe and Africa's Europe Defender 2022, which is taking place in Europe in May.
The PANG is providing a wide range of support to Lithuania's National Defense Volunteer Force, training Lithuanian instructors, participating in joint exercises, supporting Lithuania's planned acquisition of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, and providing training to the Lithuanian Air Force pilots who will operate these helicopters, according to the Ministry of National Defense's statement.