NATO units set for Lithuania and five other eastern member states

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BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2015) Amphibious assault ships participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015 transit in formation off the coast of Sweden. 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 Communications Specialist 3rd Class Timothy M. Ahearn/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2015) A U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) performs maneuvers 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 Communications Specialist 3rd Class Timothy M. Ahearn/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2015) Amphibious assault ships participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015 transit in formation off the coast of Sweden. 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 Communications Specialist 3rd Class Timothy M. Ahearn/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2015) Amphibious assault ships participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015 transit in formation off the coast of Sweden. 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 Communications Specialist 3rd Class Timothy M. Ahearn/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2015) Amphibious assault ships participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015 transit in formation off the coast of Sweden. 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 Communications Specialist 3rd Class Timothy M. Ahearn/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2015) Amphibious assault ships participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015 transit in formation off the coast of Sweden. 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 Communications Specialist 3rd Class Timothy M. Ahearn/Released)

 

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US Army helicopters transport soldiers during the NATO Noble Jump exercise on a training range near Swietoszow Zagan, Poland.

 

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NATO's rapid reaction force cuts its teeth in Poland - watch on - uatoday.tv
Jun. 19, 2015
Spearhead force sends a readiness message to Russia

NATO's new rapid response is sending a readiness message to Russia and reassuring its eastern European members spooked by the Kremlin's actions in Ukraine.

Taking place until June 19 in western Poland, the exercise is meant to demonstrate NATO's ability to swiftly defend its members from any threats, particularly those associated with the hybrid warfare seen in eastern Ukraine.

NATO is hoping that the exercise might spur its members into giving military commanders more authority over deployment of fast reaction forces.

Supreme Allied Commander Transformation Jean Paul Palomeros, who oversees NATO's adaptation to the changing security environment, says the alliance was indeed moving in that direction.

"It's really moving forward, the nations will obviously keep the political control, but I think there's great confidence in our ability to provide the military commanders the authority they need to act."

Asked about potentially expanding NATO commanders' authority the alliance's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told Reuters that NATO was "looking into" decision-making.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg: "The point is that we need ready, prepared forces and fast decision-making to be able to respond to threats, to challenges, with little warning time,"

However Germany's constitution, which requires a parliamentary approval for all military deployments of the German troops, is a major stumbling block in the process of deploying the spearhead.

 

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Saber Strike 2015
Thursday, June 18, 2015

During the event, the guests were introduced to the military equipment and weaponry used by Lithuanian and Allied troops in the exercise, as well as the results of the training. The visitors were invited to observe a spectacular dynamic display of a combined operation involving the US Abrams battle tanks, the Stryker, the Boxer, the Pandur armoured personnel carriers and the Wiesel armoured weapons carriers, of the allied forces, and other equipment.

The combined operation will also feature the US B-52 strategic bomber and US close air support A10-C Thunderbolt II aircraft. During the exercise, NATO Allies had to take over enemy positions. The military equipment involved in the military operation had to pass a mine field, neutralizing the obstacle by powerful explosions.

The Abrams tanks and armoured vehicles moved towards the fortifications, followed by deployment of troops who attacked the enemy. The territory was taken over after a brief fight. "We saw during the display how efficient infantry of our country and other countries can operate, the coordination and joint staff performance procedures – the benefit is huge," Lithuania's Chief of Defence Major General Jonas Vytautas Žukas told journalists. Started in early June, Saber Strike 2015 involves about 6,000 troops from 13 NATO and partner countries.

 

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Ustka, Poland (June 17, 2015) A landing craft air cushion (LCAC) carries Marines from Finland during an amphibious assault demonstration, the culminating event of 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 Communications Specialist 3rd Class Timothy M. Ahearn/Released)

RAVLUNDA, Sweden (June 9, 2015) Finnish marines with the Nyland brigade receive a safety briefing before boarding a British Royal Navy landing craft vehicle personnel to embark the Royal Navy amphibious assault ship HMS Ocean (L12) during BALTOPS 2015. BALTOPS is an annual multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate the resolve of allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Sarah E. Burns/Released)

RAVLUNDA, Sweden (June 9, 2015) Marines from the Finnish Nyland Brigade, U.S. Army paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy Sailors conduct ship-to-shore movements with U.S. Navy landing craft air cushion vehicles and United Kingdom Royal Navy landing craft vehicle personnel in Ravlunda, Sweden for 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. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Sarah E. Burns/Released)

VILNIUS, Lithuania (June 17, 2015) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus meets with U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania Deborah McCarthy at the U.S. Embassy. Mabus is visiting the region as part of a multinational trip to the U.S. European command area of responsibility to meet with military and civilian leaders and Sailors and Marines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Armando Gonzales/Released)

PABRADE, Lithuania (June 17, 2015) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus holds an all-hands call with Marines participating in exercise Saber Strike 2015. Saber Strike is a U.S. Army-led multinational training exercise designed to facilitate cooperation amongst the U.S., Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland by improving joint operational capability in a range of missions. Mabus is visiting the region as part of a multinational trip to the U.S. European command area of responsibility to meet with military and civilian leaders and Sailors and Marines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Armando Gonzales/Released)

USTKA, Poland (June 16, 2015) Landing craft vehicle personnel return to the British Royal Navy HMS Ocean as a Chinook departs the ship. Ocean is sailing off the coast of Poland during exercise Baltic Operations 2015 in preparation for an amphibious landing in Ustka. 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. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Sarah E. Burns/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 16, 2015) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus takes a selfie with the crew of the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) after an all-hands call. Mabus is visiting the region as part of a multinational trip to the U.S. European command area of responsibility to meet with military and civilian leaders and Sailors and Marines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Armando Gonzales/Released)

 

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BALTIC SEA (June 16, 2015) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus reenlists three Sailors assigned to the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) before an all-hands call. Mabus is visiting the region as part of a multinational trip to the U.S. European command area of responsibility to meet with military and civilian leaders and Sailors and Marines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Armando Gonzales/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 16, 2015) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus holds an all-hands call with Sailors and Marines assigned to the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17). Mabus is visiting the region as part of a multinational trip to the U.S. European command area of responsibility to meet with military and civilian leaders and Sailors and Marines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Armando Gonzales/Released)

 

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BALTOPS 15

 

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RIGA, Latvia (June 18, 2015) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus meets with Marines assigned to the Marine Security Detachment at the U.S. Embassy in Latvia. Mabus is visiting the region as part of a multinational trip to the U.S. European command area of responsibility to meet with military and civilian leaders and Sailors and Marines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Armando Gonzales/Released)

BALTIC SEA (June 17, 2015) Boarding team members from the guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69) board HDMS Sleipner (A 559) during maritime interdiction operation training 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 15, 2015) Lt. Christopher Anderson, navigation officer of the guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), boards Vicksburg following a cross-pollination Sailor exchange between the ships of SNMG2 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)

 

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A Marine MV-22B Osprey flies over the Black Sea in late May. Marines flew the Osprey in the country for the first time during Exercise Atlantic Resolve, which leaders say help calm allies concerned about Russian aggression.(Photo: Staff Sgt. Jessica Smith/Marine Corps)

June 20, 2015
Marine Ospreys reassure allies amid Russian saber-rattling

The Marine Corps' MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor recently completed its first deployment to Romania as part of a multinational training exercise with European allies.

The aircraft's deployment sent a strong message about U.S. commitment in Eastern Europe, calming allies as they work to counter Russian saber-rattling, said Brig. Gen. Norm Cooling, the deputy commander of Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa.

"Exercises like Atlantic Resolve reassures our allies and deters [Russian President Vladimir] Putin in what he is doing," Cooling said, referring to a host of Marine training initiatives involving NATO allies, including operations by the Black Sea Rotational Force in Romania.

"If it is of concern to our allies, it should concern us because of our Article Five obligations," Cooling added, referring to the NATO agreement under which U.S. forces are obligated to respond to an attack on one of our allies. "Ideally Russia is not an adversary — if it turns around in Ukraine and gets back to their end of Cold War democratic transition to peaceful capitalism."

The deployment of three Marine Ospreys and a KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa from Spain to Romania is just one small facet of a growing effort by the U.S. military to reassure allies. While in Romania through late May to participate in Exercise Platinum Eagle — led by the Corps' Black Sea Rotational Force — Marines demonstrated the tiltrotor's capabilities by ferrying local and Bulgarian forces during training operations.


Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania

 

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Prism is the only Lithuanian company-size military unit that is permanently assigned to NATO forces, which, except for alliance troops, consisting of three battalions communications. Lithuanian -based Prism D is attached to the 3rd Battalion of NATO relations, whose headquarters are in Poland. This module is based staff of about 50 soldiers - from satellite professionals to vehicle technicians.

22 June. Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite during a solemn ceremony in the Presidential Palace Lithuanian Armed Forces Commander Brigadier General Jonas Vytautas Andrey Zhuk for impeccable service, the army and the strengthening of Lithuania granted the military rank of Lieutenant General. The ceremony was also attended by Defence Minister Juozas Olekas, Defence vice-chancellor of the Ministry, the Armed Forces and Commander, other representatives of the Ministry and the Armed Forces as well as military commander relatives.

"Army hands is a vital state task - Lithuania and its people's security. This degree - Assessment and confidence. At the same time it is - even greater responsibility and duty to be an example to all the people of Lithuania ", - the President said.

 

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A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress leads a flight of four Swedish JAS-39 Gripens June 11, during a Baltic Operations 2015 mission over the Baltic Sea. Swedish Armed Forces

Amphibious assault vehicles land at Ustka, Poland on June 17 for the BALTOPS 2015 amphibious landing. U.S. Marines and service members from Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army who comprise the BALTOPS Combined Landing Force and Combined Amphibious Task Force conducted the amphibious landing. 1st Lt. Sarah E. Burns/Navy

 

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On June 23 Minister of National Defence Juozas Olekas met with Minister of Defence of Norway Ine Eriksen Soereide at the Šiauliai Airbase of the Lithuanian Air Force and thanked Norway for its participation in the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission enhancing regional security.


“NATO presence in the region is a key measure of NATO security assurance and deterrence, therefore we are grateful to Norway for its contribution to the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission,” J. Olekas said. The Lithuanian Minister also invited Norway to deploy the augmentation for the Baltic Air Policing Mission in 2016.

At the meeting the Lithuanian Minister also encouraged Norway to consider joining security assurance measures on land by deploying rotating forces to Lithuania. The Norwegian Defence Minister stated that NATO reassurance measures must be continued for as long as it is necessary.

Minister J.Olekas underlined at the meeting the intense cooperation between Lithuanian and Norwegian special operations forces and welcomed Norway’s joining the activities of the Baltic Defence College and the successful progress of procurement of the Browning M2 QCB 12.7mm rifles and ammunition.


The Lithuanian and Norwegian Defence Minister also discussed the security situation in Ukraine and agreed to cooperate to the end of supporting the country.

The Minister of Defence of Norway also met with Norwegian soldiers carrying out the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission from the Šiauliai Airbase with four F-16 Fighting Falcons. This is the third shift Norway has provided for guarding the Baltic skies with the previous rotations having been sent in January-March 2005 and in March 2008-December 2007.

The Lithuanian-Norwegian defence cooperation is developed in various areas, such as defence planning, training, and since 2007 - annual bilateral ministerial meetings.

Lithuanian and Norwegian military personnel cooperate and learn from each other during various exercises. Over the last decade several tens of soldiers from the Lithuanian Air Force, Navy, as well as special operations troops and logistics specialists have taken part in various exercises in Norway. A particularly intense cooperation is seen between special forces of both countries.

Norway handed over to Lithuania the RBS-70 short range air defence systems currently in service with the Air Defence Battalion of the Lithuanian Air Force. The Lithuanian Armed Forces also acquired from Norway vessels for its Navy and carried out other procurement projects.

M2A1 .50 caliber (12.7mm) Heavy Machine Gun
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems developed the M2A1 .50 caliber weapon after more than 30 years of experience manufacturing the M2 heavy barrel (HB) machine gun for the U.S. Department of Defense.

The M2 machine gun is one of the world’s most reliable, highly accurate and effective weapons. The M2A1 offers the proven performance and in-place logistics support of the existing M2HB machine gun, along with the new features and design improvements of the quick change barrel (QCB) system and flash hider. These upgrades increase the performance of the battle-proven M2 and are adaptable to existing M2HB weapons.

KEY FEATURES

• Fixed headspace and timing
  
  
• Reduces safety concerns associated with barrel
  changing.
  
  
• Simplifies warfighter training
  
  
• Eliminates operator requirement to adjust the headspace and timing.
  
  
• Positive barrel engagement
  
  
• Ensures the barrel is securely locked and aligned with the patented J-slot barrel retention system.
  
  
• Improved flash hider
  
  
• Decreases muzzle flash, making the M2 night-vision friendly.
  
  
• Robust, removable barrel handle
  
  
• Streamlines hot-barrel changing.
  

Specifications
Caliber
.50 caliber / 12.7mm (NATO)

Weight 84 pounds (38.2 kg)
Length
67.75 inches (1,721mm)

Width 9 inches (230mm)
Cyclic rate of fire 450-600 rounds per minute
Muzzle velocity
2,910 feet per second
(890 meters per second)

Max Effective Range 2,000 yards (1,830m)
Maximum range 7,440 yards (6,800m)

 

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Troops from Belgium and Luxembourg to come to Lithuanian for training - EN.DELFI
Monday, June 29, 2015

Troops from Belgium and Luxembourg to come to Lithuanian for training BNS Monday, June 29, 2015 A company of Belgian troops are scheduled to come to Lithuania for six-week training in September, with a squad of Luxembourgian troops providing back-up, the Lithuanian army told BNS on Monday. Troops from Belgium and Luxembourg to come to Lithuanian for training

The Belgians will bring an unidentified number of Piranha infantry fighting vehicles, Lieutenant Andrius Dilda, the public affairs officer of the Land Forces of Lithuania, said. "The troops will execute various tasks, with the main focus made on training," he told BNS. "Their goal will be to get acquainted with the Lithuanian territory. They will train at four different training areas with Lithuanian Land Force units." A company usually consists of 150 troops, and a squad has around 50.

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Portugal's defence chief arriving in Lithuania - EN.DELFI
Chief of the General Staff of the Portuguese Armed Forces General Artur Neves Pina Monteiro is arriving in Lithuania on Monday for an official visit at the invitation of Chief of Defence of Lithuania Lieutenant General Jonas Vytautas Žukas. Portugal Portugal

On Monday, the guest is scheduled to meet with Minister of National Defence Juozas Olekas, the chief of defence and other representatives of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The program of the Portuguese Chief of General Staff's visit includes a meeting with leadership of the Lithuanian Land Force and the Mechanized Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf at the Brigade's HQ (in Rukla), and a meeting with members of a the reconnaissance company of the Portuguese Armed Forces deployed for joint training in Lithuania. Later on, General will travel to Kaunas to view the exposition at the Vytautas the Great War Museum and to lay flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the courtyard of the museum.

 

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Chief of Staff, Lithuanian Land Force, Colonel Dalius Polekauskas, left, welcomes U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division Commander of the Mission Support Element Brigadier General Michael Tarsa as members of the U.S. Army of the Mission Command Element (MCE) of the 4th Infantry Division arrival at a airport in Vilnius , Lithuania, Wednesday, July 1, 2015. Mindaugas Kulbis/AP

U.S. Army and Bulgarian forces maneuver across the Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, June 25 in Operation Speed and Power. Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, join Bulgarian military allies from the 6th Brigade Battle Group during a live-fire tank shoot firing the first ever rounds fired by a U.S. M1A2 tanks in Bulgaria. Operation Speed and Power is part of Operation Atlantic Resolve and is a joint training exercise which demonstrates U.S. Army Europe's preparedness to deliver strategic effect in Atlantic Resolve-South by showcasing the freedom of movement to maneuver and fire M1A2 Abrams anywhere along the Eastern Flank. This ability enables the NATO allies to defend themselves against all threats, and shows that the alliance remains ready to defend itself anywhere at any time. Spc. Jacqueline Dowland/Army