Lithuanian army chief calls US Pennsylvania Guard one of Baltic security guarantors

VILNIUS –The United States' Pennsylvania National Guard is one of the security guarantors in the Baltic region, says Chief of Defense of Lithuania Valdemaras Rupsys as he's visiting the United States ahead of the 30th anniversary of cooperation with the Pennsylvania National Guard.

"Next year, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of our cooperation as the Pennsylvania National Guard strengthens the Lithuanian Armed Forces and is one of the guarantors of security and defense in the Baltic region," the Lithuanian army chief was quoted as saying in a statement released on Thursday.

He thanked the Pennsylvania National Guard for its support to the development of Lithuania's military capability and infrastructure, saying that the expertise and interoperability "fully strengthens" the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

Rupsys also met with Adjutant General of Pennsylvania Major General Mark J. Schindler and also visited the PANG training facility for Air Force pilots and maintenance specialists where Lithuanian Air Force troops will be trained to operate the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters Lithuania's buying.