• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Steadfast commitment: next rotation of the U.S. Armed Forces begin tour of duty in Lithuania

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2025-01-29
International cooperation | Security and defense policy

The 11th U.S. rotational battalion that kicked off the tour of duty in Pabradė today demonstrates a lasting and strong support to our national and regional security. Two battalions from the 3rd Infantry Division will spend nine months in Lithuania training with Lithuanian colleagues and other Allies.

"The United States is the fundament of the Euro-Atlantic security and his demonstrated partnership with Lithuania for many years. The uninterrupted U.S. military presence in Lithuania, in the northeastern flank of NATO, is the best deterrent, because only iron will to defence and proper readiness can deter aggressors who have no respect for sovereignty of nations. Security of the external NATO border is the security of NATO and its prestige as well, therefore we deeply appreciate that the U.S. stands by as a strategic Ally and against potential threats side by side with Lithuania," said Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė.

Lithuania ensures the best possible Host Nation Support and conditions for effective readiness activities. Also, infrastructure modernization is continued and conditions for Allied presence in Pabradė are further improved. The Americans will be training with the Lithuanian Great Hetman Jonas Karolis Chodkevičius Infantry Brigade Griffin.

The United States of America sends two rotational battalions for combat readiness training in Lithuania thus demonstrating leadership in the Baltic Sea region. Two U.S. Army battalions are a strong deterrent in the current geopolitical security situation, while Lithuania exchanges experience and builds up ties as it trains. We are grateful to the United States for the persistent military presence, this enables us to develop the Lithuanian Armed Forces at a speedy pace and to strengthen the sense of security in our society," said Chief of Defence General Raimundas Vaikšnoras.

The 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment and the 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment cased colors at Camp Herkus making way for the uncasing ceremony of the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment and the 1st Field Artillery Battalion, 41st Field Artillery Regiment.

"Our partnership is an excellent reminder that Lithuania and the United States will stand shoulder to shoulder ready to defence our freedom and protect shared values," said Ambassador of the United States to Lithuania Kara McDonald.

Minister of National Defence presented National Defence System Medals of Merit to the Commanders and Senior Enlisted Leaders of the outgoing battalions.

NATO and U.S. presence in Lithuania is the key deterrent. The United States approved uninterrupted force rotations to the Baltic region. In its turn, Lithuania is committed to make every effort to ensure the best Host Nation Support and proper infrastructure to the incoming rotations. The United States has been supporting security in the region with rotations of heavy battalions since 2019.