Ceremony Marks Beginning of US Mission in Baltics

SIAULIAI, Lithuania: For the second time in history, an American flag was raised over the Quick Reaction Facility in Siauliai during a ceremony marking the U.S. Air Force's assumption of responsibility for the NATO Baltic air policing mission.

The ceremony began with Lithuanian Lt. Col. Raimundas Matulis, Ministry of Defense representative, thanking the German Air Force for the support they provided during the last three months and welcoming the newly arrived U.S. personnel.

"Welcome to the Baltic States. On behalf of the Ministry of Defense, I wish you success and hope you make friends," Colonel Matulis said.

He also presented the 493d Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander a book about Lithuania, encouraging Airmen to travel and see the country.

Lt. Col. David Millner, U.S. Defense Attache, discussed the importance of the mission and the fact that the U.S. was pleased to return to the region.

"The United States is pleased to return for our second rotation executing this important NATO mission," he said. "Events of the last two months have once again highlighted what we have long known, that we must be constantly vigilant and rigorously prepare for potential threats."

"For years, Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian troops have been serving shoulder-to-shoulder with American troops in some of the most challenging and dangerous places in the world, working to ensure our common safety and security," he said. "It is a privilege now for American forces to come here to your territory to stand again next to you and work together to safeguard your freedom."

The ceremony was concluded with the deployed German air force commander handing the keys to the QRF to a U.S. representative, while two U.S. Airmen raised the U.S. flag and members of the 493d EFS saluted.