Latest Embassy News

United States Air Force Proud to Serve in the Baltic Skies

30 December 2005

The United States is honored to have served in the NATO mission to defend Baltic airspace.  A handover ceremony today at Zokniai air base marked the end of the United States Air Force's three-month air policing mission.

The United States was fortunate to have such skilled and dedicated men and women serving in Siauliai.  During the NATO mission, the airmen flew 136 sorties, for a total of 202 hours.  They performed 68 practice scrambles, with an average of 7 minutes and 53 seconds elapsing from the initial phone call to take-off.

At today’s ceremony, U.S. Major General Bob Dulaney applauded the work of the 23rd Fighter Squadron and praised Lithuania for its support of the mission.

The airmen were also quite active in their community in Siauliai.  They offered group tours of the F-16 aircraft to over 500 people, including several school groups.  Members of the squadron also visited local schools, volunteered at a local food bank, and made weekly visits to bring gifts to local orphanages.

The United States was proud to serve on a mission that demonstrates the vitality and strength of the NATO alliance.