Fighter pilot lands in roots

  • Published
  • By Capt. Denise Haeussler
  • 442d Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KAUNAS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Lithuania --  What started as an ordinary day at Kaunas International Airport in Lithuania, turned into an awe inspiring site as two fighter jets came screaming overhead.

Lt. Col. Michael Leonas and Capt. Geoffrey Manter, both A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots from the 303d Fighter Squadron, 442d Fighter Wing out of Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., landed at Kaunas Airport Sept. 9 being the first A-10s to land in the country according to Capt. Darius Kaleda of the Lithuanian military.

"I'm surprised that we are the first," said Leonas.  "I didn't know that until we landed."

The pilots completed some Joint Terminal Attack Controller training using close air support with the Lithuanian military at nearby Rukala Range before landing. Once on the ground, they worked with local airport employees training them how to refuel the jets that have never been there before.

"I am amazed and impressed by this event," said Kaleda. "I've had the recent opportunity to work with the A-10s as a JTAC and it's great to have this aircraft here on my soil now."

This event is part of Operation Atlantic Resolve where the U.S. is working with the Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian military demonstrating its continued commitment to reassure NATO allies and partners of America's dedication to ensuring peace and stability in the region.

Quite a crowd gathered to admire the mighty A-10 on the flight line and Leonas said he was more than happy to show them around the jet talking about its functions and capabilities.

Leonas also has Lithuanian heritage.  His grandparents lived in Kaunas and narrowly escaped to Nazi Germany before the Soviet Occupation with his father, who was just a baby at the time.

"Flying over I did have some emotions knowing what my family went through here during World War II, but at the same time it's awesome to be here and be a part of this history. I don't get to do that every day" said Leonas with a grin.

Once the jet refuel was complete, Leonas and his wingman Manter were escorted by Lithuanian Airmen to meet with the Chief of Staff of the Lithuanian Air Force, Lt. Col. Devis Martusevicius, at Air Force Headquarters in downtown Kaunas for a short brief on the Lithuanian AF.

Upon entering the building, Leonas learned that it was built in 1920 and that his great grandfather had worked internal affairs there before the war.

"He probably walked these same halls that you just did," said Martusevicius as emotions from nostalgia to awe crossed Leonas's face.

After the briefing, the group had lunch at a local restaurant, then the pilots were taken on a short tour of the city and Leonas was shown where his great grandfather had lived and the university where he worked. After a short stop at Vytautas the Great War Museum, it was time to head back to the jets. 

"This day was so important to me walking in the same footsteps that my family once did during a different time in this country," said Leonas.

Once back at the airport, Leonas bid farewell to his Lithuanian partners, thanking them for their welcome and hospitality.

Right before Leonas climbed back into the A-10 for his return flight, he gave Kaleda a 442d FW unit coin telling him, "The 303d is just one squadron, but we are here supporting the entire effort of NATO."