NATO units set for Lithuania and five other eastern member states

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6 June. Vilnius International Airport landed two US Air Force military transport aircraft C-17 Boeing Globemaster III, which in Lithuania to take part in the exercise "Sabre Strike 2015, flown the Pennsylvania National Guard 56th Stryker Brigade soldiers and military equipment .

About 40 US soldiers squad with more than 16 tons each, wheeled armored vehicles "Stryker" straight from the airport. Pennsylvania National Guard troops arrived in Lithuania to take part in the largest of Lithuania's NATO membership in NATO military exercise "Sabre Strike 2015, taking place on June 1-19. The official opening ceremony will take place on 8 June. Rukla and Pabradė.

At the airport arrived US troops met leading international exercises - Lithuanian Land Force Commander Major-General A.Leika and the US 28th Infantry Division, which holds its 56th Stryker Brigade Deputy Commander Brigadier General George Swartz.

 

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GDYNIA, Poland (June 4, 2015) Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) Canadian ship HMCS Fredericton (FFH 337) transits past the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) in Gdynia, Poland, for a port visit in preparation for exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015. BALTOPS is an annual multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve of Allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda S. Kitchner/Released

GDYNIA, Poland (June 4, 2015) The guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) moors outboard of the guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69) in Gdynia, Poland. Jason Dunham is participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015. BALTOPS is an annual multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve of allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Weston Jones/Released)

 

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On June 8 Field Training Exercise (FTX), Phase II of Exercise Saber Strike 2015, was formally declared open at the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ General Silvestras Žukauskas Training Area in Pabradė and the parade ground of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Algirdas Mechanised Infantry Battalion.



The participating soldiers were saluted and the FTX was opened by co-directors of the exercise - Commander of the Lithuanian Land Force Major General Almantas Leika and Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Europe Major General Mark McQueen. Both Generals underscored in their addresses that the exercise had not only turned into a reoccurring exercise held on an annual basis but was summoning an increasing number of participating forces each time.



“Even though we know each other well and we are frequent participants of training events, only exercises like this can improve our and NATO forces’ skills and interoperability,” Major General A. Leika said at the opening event.



Wishing to the participating soldiers a good exercise and to maximise their experience Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Europe Major General Mark McQueen said: “Remember, Soldiers, that this exercise offers an opportunity both to you and your commanders to learn from one another, an opportunity to grow stronger and improve your skills and to test one another.”



Soldiers of the Lithuanian Land Force, and Canadian, French, German, Portuguese, Slovenian, and U.S. exercise participants lined up for the opening of Phase II.



The total of 2.800 soldiers and 300 units of military equipment are here in Lithuania for Saber Strike 2015 FTX.



Photo credits: - (1-3) Sergeant Paul Peterson, ( 4-5) Master Sergeant Gintautas Mauricas, (6-7)1st Lieutenant Andrius Dilda.



***
Saber Strike is an annual exercise held by the U.S. Army Europe in the Baltic States. Saber Strike 2015 is the fifth iteration of the series held in Lithuania. The part of the exercise in Lithuania will involve roughly 1.6 thousand Lithuanian military and 1.5 thousand troops from 8 NATO countries – Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Portugal, USA, Germany, Slovenia and Canada.

The part of Exercise Saber Strike 2015 held in Latvia will also certify the Baltic Battalion (BALTBAT) which is preparing for standby for the NATO Response Force (NRF) in 2016. BALTBAT formed by Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian militaries is a combined Baltic contribution to the NATO Response Force. Lithuania's input into BALTBAT is a company and a headquarters element of King Mindaugas Hussar Battalion.


POC – Captain Paulius Babilas

 

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Lithuanian army Adolf Ramanauskas Warfare Training Centre, Nemenčinė prevailing international atmosphere - about one hundred soldiers from Denmark, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and the United States is training plan and lead the defensive operations.

From 1 June. here goes the Danish division and its afilijuotųjų Lithuanian, Estonian and Latvian infantry brigade staff training. These teachings for the first time joined the Pennsylvania National Guard Headquarters soldiers.

Exercises involved in train staffs to plan and lead the defensive operations in the Baltic countries. The exercise takes place in accordance with the so-called "mobile defense" scenario, which involved the Danish defense division cell units.

Danish division and its international units exercises are organized regularly. But this is the first time when they joined the exercise Saber Strike "(Lith." Sabre Strike ") annually in the Baltic States and Poland, organized by US Army Europe Command. Therefore, the first Danish division staffs participated in the training and the Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers.

 

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WASHINGTON (June 9, 2015) An info graphic created for the BALTOPS and Saber Strike training operations. (U.S. Navy photo illustration/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2015) The guided-missile-cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 flagship, foreground, participates in ship maneuvering exercises with Allied and partner nation ships during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015. BALTOPS is an annually recurring multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve of Allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda S. Kitchner/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2015) Allied and partner nation ships participate in close-quarters ship maneuvering drills during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015. BALTOPS is an annually recurring multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve of Allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda S. Kitchner/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2015) Rear Adm. Brad Williamson, left, commander of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, and Lt. James Hostetler, operations officer aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 flagship, review exercise events during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015. BALTOPS is an annually recurring multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve of Allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda S. Kitchner/Released)

 

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BALTIC SEA (June 9, 2015) Joint NATO maritime and ground forces leaders pose for a photograph aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015. BALTOPS is an annual multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve among allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Timothy M. Ahearn/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2015) Maritime forces from 17 nations are underway in formation for BALTOPS 2015. BALTOPS is an annually recurring multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve of allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of the Royal Navy by LPhot Luron Wright/Crown Copyright/Released)

 

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USTKA, Poland (June 9, 2015) U.S. Marine Cpl. Antonio Diaz assigned to Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Europe, explains the functions of the M2 .50 caliber machine gun to an infantryman assigned to Poland's 1st Mechanized Battalion during a static weapons display from the two NATO countries during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015. BALTOPS is an annual multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve among allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Callahan/Released)

USTKA, Poland (June 9, 2015) Polish Army Pvt. Pawel Byrski (left) assigned to the Ustka Training Range, exhibits the capabilities of the ambulance at Camp Gorsko to Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Jay Cherluck (middle) and Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jorge Castilleja assigned to the U.S. Navy's Environmental Preventive Medicine Unit Seven during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015. BALTOPS is an annual multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve among allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Callahan/Released)

Roughly 170 soldiers of the combined allied force conducted an airborne landing into Karmėlava International Airport at night of June 9-10 as part of Exercise Saber Strike 2015. The airborne assault force flew in with C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster heavy airlift aircraft from the U.S. base in Vicenza, Italy.

The airborne force was tasked with recovering Karmėlava International Airport according to the exercise scenario seized by alleged enemy forces.

“U.S. and German airborne personnel landed on the main runway of the airport, formed attack groups, collected their equipment and rigging and began the operation to take over control of the airport,” Lieutenant Steven Siberski, 173rd Airborne Brigade, said about the operation.

The first part of the operation was carried out by a B-52 bomber circling over the airport, supressing enemy anti-aircraft defence enabling the airdrop of the main part of the mission.

“This was a challenging operation both in terms of physical fitness and coordination: having made a long trip to here the soldiers had to be prepared for action in an unfamiliar civilian environment, we found that really challenging,” Lieutenant Maribel Brown, Operational Officer with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, told.

The airport recovery operation that started before midnight was completed only after dawn, at around 6 a.m. The victorious soldiers will continue training at the General Silvesrtas Žukauskas Training Area.

 

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USTKA, Poland (June 10, 2015) 1st Class Diver Jerry Raaphorst, assigned to the very shallow water team of the Royal Netherlands navy Maritime Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, detonates a charge for a training exercise during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015. BALTOPS is an annual multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve among allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Callahan/Released)

USTKA, Poland (June 10, 2015) Sgt. Jelco Brander, Pvt. Djanco Colijn, and Cpl. Martin Mol, all assigned to the very shallow water team of the Royal Netherlands navy Maritime Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, prepare a demolition charge for a training exercise during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015. BALTOPS is an annual multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve among allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Callahan/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 10, 2015) Marines from Sweden arrive aboard the Polish navy ship ORP Gniezno during BALTOPS 2015. BALTOPS is an annual multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve among allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Lucas Askew/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 10, 2015) Cmdr. Darren Dugan, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), coaches Polish navy Lt. Maciej Skladanowski while he drives the ship as conning officer during a replenishment-at-sea with French navy Oiler FS Somme (A631). Jason Dunham is participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015. BALTOPS is an annual multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve among allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Pete Pagano/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 10, 2015) The guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) takes on fuel during a replenishment-at-sea with the French navy Oiler FS Somme (A631) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015. BALTOPS is an annually recurring multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve of allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Weston Jones/Released)

 

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Saber Strike“ Latvia

11 June 2015

 

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Saber Strike military exercises , Lithuania

11 June 2015

 

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United States National Guard General James Joseph in Lithuania

 

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BALTIC SEA (June 10, 2015) A U.S. Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Vipers of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 48, Det. 3, embarked aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), prepares to land aboard the Turkish navy ship TCG Gksu (F 497), part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2), to refuel during maritime interdiction training operations as part of Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015. BALTOPS is an annually recurring multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve of Allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda S. Kitchner/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 10, 2015) Members of a boarding team from the Turkish navy ship TCG Gksu (F 497), part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2), verify their weapons are clear and safe for training aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), flagship for SNMG2, during maritime interdiction training operations as part of exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015. BALTOPS is an annually recurring multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve of Allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda S. Kitchner/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 10, 2015) Boarding team members from the Turkish navy ship TCG Gksu (F 497), part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2), board the guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), flagship SNMG2, during maritime interdiction training operations as part of exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015. BALTOPS is an annually recurring multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve of Allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda S. Kitchner/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 10, 2015) An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Vipers of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 48, Det. 3, flies behind a rigid-hull inflatable boat from the Turkish navy ship TCG Gksu (F 497), part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2). The boat is transporting members of Gksu's boarding team during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015 maritime interdiction training operations. BALTOPS is an annually recurring multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve of Allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda S. Kitchner/Released)

 

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Lithuanian and Portuguese forces are teamed up with U.S. Marines with the Black Sea Rotational Force for Exercise Saber Strike at the Pabrade Training Area, Lithuania, June 11, 2015. Their different military equipment and knowhow melded during offensive operations to promote regional security, strengthen partnerships, and foster trust. Sgt. Paul Peterson/Marine Corps

USTKA, Poland (June 11, 2015) U.S. Marines assigned to Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Europe and Poland's 1st Mechanized Battalion conduct weapons drills during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015. BALTOPS is an annual multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve among allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Callahan/Released)

USTKA, Poland (June 11, 2015) U.S. Marine Sgt. Gregory Castro, assigned to Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Europe, left, teaches infantrymen from Poland's 1st Mechanized Battalion how to fire while performing lateral movement drills during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015. BALTOPS is an annual multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve among allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Callahan/Released)

 

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Saber Strike 2015
June 13 , Lithuania

 

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BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2015) Rear Adm. Tim Lowe, deputy commander of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, speaks with Capt. Lyle Hall, commanding officer of the guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), and Cmdr. Robby Trotter, Vicksburg's executive officer, during his visit to Vicksburg as part of exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015. BALTOPS is an annual multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve of Allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda S. Kitchner/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2015) U.S. Marines load an amphibious assault vehicle aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) during exercise Baltic Operations 2015 (BALTOPS). BALTOPS is an annual multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve among allied and partnered forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Adam C. Stapleton/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2015) U.S. Marines load an amphibious assault vehicle aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) during exercise Baltic Operations 2015 (BALTOPS). BALTOPS is an annual multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve among allied and partnered forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Adam C. Stapleton/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2015) U.S. Army soldiers discuss field communications techniques and equipment with transistors aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) during exercise Baltic Operations 2015 (BALTOPS). BALTOPS is an annual multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve among allied and partnered forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Adam C. Stapleton/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2015) A U.S. Air Force B-52 flies with Swedish SAAB Gripins during exercise Baltic Operations 2015. BALTOPS is an annual multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve among allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)