March 28, the flag of Portugal was hoisted at the Brigadier General Povilas Plechavičius Training Area in demonstration of the Portuguese rotational force presence in the Central and Eastern European NATO Allies to boost their security as part of the NATO Assurance Measures. The flag hoisting ceremony and commemoration of Lithuania’s 19th anniversary as a member of NATO was attended by Lt Col Christopher Fuhrmann on behalf of the NATO Force Integration Unit Lithuania and troops of the U.S. 4th Security Force Assistance Brigade.
Military personnel of the Portuguese Armed Forces rotational contingent will engage in a series of training events and exercises with troops of the Griffin Brigade thus strengthening deterrence and countering the threats facing the Allies. Cooperation between the Griffin Brigade and the Allies contributes to national defence, while interoperability-building acgivities strengthens military capability of both sides and facilitates adherence to NATO standards which is ensured through information exchange, coordination and mutual assistance in joint missions, exercises and training events as forces train to deliver on an efficient and workable security policy and prevent conflict.
The Lithuanian Great Hetman Jonas Karolis Chodkevičius Infantry Brigade “Griffin” also paid tribute to the military who put their lives at risk to protect their countries at the commemoration of Lithuania’s NATO membership. The NATO alliance is one of the key security organisations in the world whose fundamental mission is to protect the peace and sovereignty of its member states. Lithuania became a NATO member on 29 March 2004 which has enhanced national security and prevented potential aggressors.
Information and photo credits: IB Griffin
