Sparking intensive recovery efforts, four U.S. Army soldiers from Fort Stewart, Georgia, remain missing while their vehicle was located underwater in a training area in Lithuania.
See the tweet below.
The missing soldiers were operating an M88 Hercules vehicle, which was discovered submerged near Pabradė. The mystery needs urgent resolution for these servicemen and their families.
The soldiers vanished during a scheduled training exercise close to the Belarusian border. Their vehicle, intended to rescue disabled tanks, was located underwater in a training area.
Despite recovery operations, the soldiers have not been found, sparking an ongoing search involving the U.S. Army and Lithuanian forces.
The U.S. and Lithuanian militaries and local law enforcement swiftly organized search and rescue operations while Air Force helicopters were deployed to assist in finding the missing soldiers.
“I would like to personally thank the Lithuanian Armed Forces and first responders who quickly came to our aid in our search operations,” Lieutant General Charles Costanza said in a statement.
The soldiers are in a tactical training exercise in the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. The U.S. military frequently conducts such missions in Lithuania, a NATO ally, enhancing readiness and cooperation.
This unfortunate event underscores the inherent risks of military training and highlights the steadfast alliance commitments among NATO members.
Moreover, speculations arose after NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte mentioned the soldiers might have been “killed.”
However, Lithuanian authorities stated that no evidence has confirmed these claims.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on the diligent search for these soldiers before drawing any final conclusions.
The morale and safety of over 1,000 American troops stationed in Lithuania are of the utmost importance.
As the situation develops, updates are anticipated from the involved parties. Americans’ thoughts and prayers are with the families and all those continuing to serve with honor in Lithuania and beyond.
These soldiers represent America’s commitment to NATO and the defense of its European allies. This mission comes with real sacrifice from brave men and women in uniform and their families.
🚨 Press release – The M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle the four missing U.S. Soldiers were operating during a training exercise has been located in Lithuania. https://t.co/fHh4T0Dsa6
— U.S. Army Europe and Africa (@USArmyEURAF) March 26, 2025
