Elements of infrastructure built on U.S. donations at the Lithuanian Armed Forces Air Force Base in Šiauliai were handed over to the Lithuanian Armed Forces. New ground equipment maintenance hangars, OPS facility, three fighter aprons, up-to-date fighter arresting gear and lighting installation of one of the aprons, several taxiways and areas and roads for ground vehicles enhance readiness of the Lithuanian Air Force Base to host NATO allies , strengthen deterrence, and improve interoperability. The sum of EUR 24 million was allocated in 2016 –2020 from the U.S. European Reassurance Initiative to build the new infrastructure. 16 objects have been finished and two more are planned to be done by the end of the year.
On August 5 Ambassador of the United States of America HE Robert S. Gilchrist, Vice Minister of National Defence Eimutis Misiūnas, Director of Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, Brig Gen Ronald E. Jolly Sr., Commander of the Lithuanian Air Force Col Dainius Guzas, and other representatives of the Lithuanian and the U.S. Armed Forces will visit Šiauliai Air Base to view and discuss the new infrastructure.
“U.S. investments into Lithuania’s defence infrastructure demonstrate that Lithuania remains among the important priorities of the U.S. defence policy. By strengthening capabilities of the Lithuanian Air Force Base along with the U.S., we are ensuring training conditions for U.S. and other NATO allies’ military units and contributing to a swift deployment of allies to the other Baltic states and Lithuania,” Vice Minister of National Defence Eimutis Misiūnas says. He also underscores that the Lithuanian Air Force Air Base in Šiauliai is an important facility not only for the country but also regionwide, therefore the completed U.S.-funded infrastructure projects increase not only Lithuania’s but all the three Baltic states’ defence potential, and also help to maintain high readiness of Lithuanian, U.S. and other allies’ forces.
For the Media
Media representatives wishing to cover the event on August 5 at Šiauliai Air Base are invited to register until 1700hrs of August 4 at [email protected], or +370 686 00655 (please give your name and surname, media outlet, contacts – cell phone no., e-mail address). Registered media representatives should arrive at the Lithuanian Air Force Base in Šiauliai on Wednesday, August 5, before 1100hrs.
Freelance reporters and foreign media representatives will need accreditation given by the MoD Strategic Communication and Public Relations Department, e-mail: [email protected], contact phone no. +370 687 90 765. Information required: filled out questionnaire form, copies of a personal ID document and confirmation letter from the publishing media outlet.
The media programme is planned to include tours of several of the completed infrastructure projects , and a brief press point with Vice Minister of National Defence Eimutis Misiūnas and Ambassador of the United States of America HE Robert S. Gilchrist.
Media representatives are asked to respect the requirement to wear face masks in enclosed spaces at the event.
Photo credits: Šiauliai Air Base (Reconstruction of historical hangar – during the interwar period the Lithuanian ANBO aircraft used to be assembled in Antanas Gustaitis hangar. The hangar had its door replaced and heating and cooling systems refurbished. It is not only an object of historical importance but an intensely used object for technical maintenance of aircraft by the Lithuanian Air Force).
