"The United States is committed to helping the LAF [Lebanese Armed Forces] develop its capabilities and will continue to support the government of Lebanon and the LAF as they continue their efforts to safeguard the stability, unity and sovereignty of Lebanon," the U.S. embassy in Lebanon said.

The embassy said the administration has pledged to upgrade Lebanon's fleet of U.S.-origin helicopters. The upgrade project has targeted Lebanon's fleet of UH-1 utility helicopters, including training and logistics.

"The U.S. has committed to refurbishing and arming Lebanon's UH-1 helicopter fleet and will install a state of the art UH-1 flight simulator," the embassy said on Oct. 25.

Lebanon has sought to upgrade its fleet of medium-transport UH-1, or Bell-205, helicopters. In 1995, Beirut received 16 UH-1 aircraft, most of which were said to still be in service.

The embassy statement was released during the visit by a leading U.S. Air Force officer. Lt. Gen. Mike Hostage, air chief for Central Command, visited Beirut and toured Lebanese Air Force facilities. The embassy said Hostage discussed the U.S. program to build Lebanon's air capabilities.

"Gen. Hostage also visited his counterparts in the Lebanese Air Force, including commander in chief of the LAF Air Force Brig. Gen. Ghassan Chahine," the embassy said. "They then toured several LAF sites in Lebanon where cooperation between the United States Air Force and the LAF is ongoing."

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