The Army confirmed today that the bodies of three of the four US soldiers, who went missing after their vehicle sank into a bog in Lithuania last week, have been recovered. The vehicle, identified as an M88 Hercules, was also retrieved, and the search continues for the fourth soldier.
Major General Christopher Norrie of the 3rd Infantry Division expressed profound sorrow at the loss, stating, “The soldiers we have lost in this tragedy were not just soldiers – they were a part of our family.” He encouraged continued efforts until all soldiers are accounted for, emphasising gratitude to those involved in the extensive search operations. The soldiers belonged to the 1st Armored Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, based at Fort Stewart, Georgia, and their identities are being withheld until their families are notified.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda shared condolences on behalf of the nation, stating, “Lithuania mourns together with the American nation,” expressing heartfelt sympathy to the families and loved ones of the fallen soldiers.
The incident occurred during a maintenance training mission on March 25, when the vehicle was submerged while recovering another US military vehicle. A significant collaborative effort was involved in locating the submerged M88, with the vehicle identified the following day. Military personnel from the US, Lithuania, and Poland mobilised rapidly to facilitate recovery, including divers and engineers. Major Nicholas Chopp from US Army Europe and Africa highlighted the swift coordination between the defence chiefs of Lithuania and Poland to support these efforts.
In a show of solidarity, Lithuania provided extensive resources for the recovery operation, including helicopters, drones, and heavy equipment, all at no cost, demonstrating their dedication to the task. Colonel Martin O’Donnell, a spokesperson for NATO, reinforced the alliance’s commitment, stating, “Allies helping allies is what an alliance is all about.”
The local community also honoured the soldiers with a mass led by the Archbishop Metropolitan of Vilnius. The recovery operations have underscored the importance of international partnerships, particularly in times of crisis, and have sparked discussions regarding cooperation among allied nations.
As the search for the fourth soldier continues, the efforts are a testament to the bond between the US and Lithuania, affirming the shared values and commitment to not leaving any allies behind, as expressed by both military leaders and politicians alike.