U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. traveled to Lithuania Dec. 20-21 and met with Lithuanian Chief of Defense Lt. Gen. Valdemaras Rupšys and Air Force Commander Col. Antanas Matutis.
Brown said the scheduled trip signified U.S. commitment to its close bilateral defense relationship with Lithuania and to regional security in Europe. He thanked Lithuania for being a steadfast ally, and recognized that the NATO alliance has never been stronger or more united.
Brown further thanked Lithuania for its support of NATO's Baltic Air Policing missions at Šiauliai Air Base, which are critical to regional security and stability. He also praised Lithuania's robust support to Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia's unprovoked war.
The two sides expressed their intent to continue collaboration on a series of additional issues, including Lithuanian defense modernization and integrated air and missile defense. Both agreed on the deterrence value of air-based assets.
Brown also met with U.S. Ambassador Robert Gilchrist, embassy staff, and members of the U.S. Department of Defense serving at U.S. Embassy Vilnius.
