US National Guard chief visits Lithuania to discuss military ties, regional security

Lithuania's military cooperation with the United States stands as a cornerstone of national security, according to Lithuanian Army Commander General Raimundas Vaikšnoras. During a visit by U.S. National Guard Bureau Chief General Steven S. Nordhaus from June 3-5, discussions centered on strengthening bilateral military ties, assessing the regional security landscape, and advancing the decades-long partnership between the Lithuanian Armed Forces and the Pennsylvania National Guard.

The visit highlighted Lithuania's commitment to modernizing its military and achieving full operational capability for its First Division by the end of the decade. General Nordhaus met with General Vaikšnoras to review security situations and explore further collaboration. The delegation also visited the General Silvestras Žukauskas Training Area in Pabradė to observe infrastructure for receiving and redeploying allied forces.

General Vaikšnoras emphasized that the over three-decade partnership has been crucial for Lithuania's military development. "This partnership has helped the Lithuanian army adopt NATO standards, strengthen capabilities, and build a modern army," he stated. "Today, it also significantly contributes to the development of the First Division and its preparation to achieve full operational capability."

The collaboration, initiated in 1993 under the U.S. State Partnership Program, has encompassed joint exercises, military training, participation in international operations, and projects in cyber defense, aviation, and military engineering. It has been vital in developing division-level command and control capabilities and integrating new assets like UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. The Pennsylvania National Guard has also assisted in training Lithuanian engineers for HIMARS systems and sharing expertise for effective integration of new capabilities.

This successful partnership was recognized in 2023 as the best in the U.S. State Partnership Program, earning the "State Partnership Program Excellence Award" from the U.S. National Guard Bureau. General Nordhaus, as the highest-ranking officer in the National Guard, leads an organization of over 430,000 personnel and serves as the principal military advisor to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.