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SZCZECIN, Poland - On February 19-20, Lieutenant General Jürgen-Joachim von Sandrart, Commander Multinational Corps Northeast (MNC NE), visited Lithuania and met with Allied forces‘ Commanders and MNC NE’s subordinate units. The trip offered the opportunity to further strengthen working relationships, provide direction and guidance to subordinate leaders and assess the readiness of MNC NE‘s forces.

COM & CSEL MNCNE visited the Iron Wolf Brigade, eVA Brigade and eFP Battlegroup in Rukla.  © PAO MNC NE 

Lithuania has been a member of NATO since 2004. During this time, the republic became one of the guarantors of the security in the Baltic Sea Region. Geographically, Lithuania plays a vital role in securing the Suwalki corridor. Lithuania guards a vital artery to the European mainland. The constant exchange with the Lithuanian Key Leaders, like the country’s Chief of Defence General Valdemaras Rupšys, is important to build a common understanding of how NATO territory can be defended not as single nations but as a strong Alliance.

Visit at the Headquarter of the Lithuanian Land Forces. © PAO Lithuanian Land Forces

COM MNC NE attended a Life Fire Exercise of the US Army 3rd Infantry Division in Pabrade, Lithuania. © PAO MNC NE 

COM MNC NE giving a lecture at the Lithuanian Military Academy in Vilnius. © PAO MNC NE 

Additionally, the visit was a good opportunity to get in touch with the soldiers from the battalion down to the squad level. At dinner with soldiers of enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battlegroup Lithuania, the Commander praised the motivation and engagement of our troops at NATO’s northeastern flank.

During a lecture for students at the General Jonas Žemaitis Military Academy of Lithuania, General von Sandrart concluded the Corps work: “We are all working toward this common purpose: A credible deterrence, a credible defence and readiness to prevent war. We did so for nearly 25 years, we stay ready today, and we continue our defensive preparedness in the future,”.

American Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles and Abrams Main Battle Tanks on during a Life Fire Exercise in Pabrade, Lithuania © PAO MNC NE