US army soldiers found deceased in Lithuania after search, recovery effort

On March 31, three U.S. Army soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, were found deceased in Lithuania after being missing for six days.

The soldiers, whose identities are withheld pending family notification, went missing on March 25 while conducting a mission to repair and tow an immobilized tactical vehicle, Caliber.Az reports per United States Army Europe and Africa.

Their M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle was found submerged in water on March 26, and extensive search and recovery operations ensued.

The recovery mission, supported by Lithuanian Armed Forces, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Polish Armed Forces, and civilian agencies, was a highly resource-intensive effort. It involved military helicopters, unmanned aerial systems, and heavy construction equipment. The M88A2, weighing 63 tons, was successfully recovered from a peat bog on March 31 after a complex operation requiring considerable engineering expertise.

Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, 3rd Infantry Division's commanding general, expressed deep sorrow, acknowledging the soldiers as part of the "family" of the Marne Division. The search continues for the fourth soldier, who remains unaccounted for. Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commander of Task Force Iron, commended the heroic efforts of the recovery teams, particularly Lithuania’s invaluable support in the operation, highlighting the strong partnership between the U.S. and Lithuania.

U.S. Navy divers aided in the extraction of the vehicle, maneuvering through challenging conditions. Their efforts, alongside teams using ground-penetrating radar, continue as they systematically search the area. U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania, Kara C. McDonald, and Gen. Christopher Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, observed the recovery efforts near Pabradė.

The soldiers were stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, and deployed to Lithuania in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. The recovery process was further marked by a mass led by Archbishop Gintaras Grušas, attended by senior military officials and NATO representatives.

U.S. European Command's Gen. Christopher Cavoli emphasized the strength of NATO alliances and praised Lithuania's commitment to the operation.

The U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, with updates expected as more details emerge.

By Aghakazim Guliyev