Tragic Loss: Three American Soldiers Confirmed Dead in Lithuania During Training Exercise
The US Army has confirmed the deaths of three of the four missing American soldiers who were involved in a tragic incident during military maneuvers in Lithuania. The confirmed deaths come six days after the soldiers went missing in a lake located in the Pabrade area, near the border with Belarus. A statement released by US European Command in Europe and Africa (USAREURAF) on March 31 confirmed the unfortunate news and indicated that rescue efforts are still ongoing to locate the fourth soldier.
The three soldiers were members of the 1st Combat Team of the Armored Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division and were performing a mission when the armored vehicle they were in, an M88A2 Hercules, sank while attempting to carry out a repair and towing operation of another tactical vehicle. Major General Christopher Norrie expressed sorrow over the loss, emphasizing that these servicemen were part of the military family, extending his condolences to the families of the victims.
An investigation has been launched by both Lithuanian and American authorities to uncover the circumstances leading to this heartbreaking incident. Following the disappearance of the soldiers, the Lithuanian Armed Forces mobilized specialized teams to locate the sunken vehicle in the murky waters filled with thick layers of mud and clay, which complicated visibility and rescue efforts. US Navy divers joined these efforts to aid in the challenging mission.
The armored M88A2 vehicle was located submerged under approximately five meters of water, and despite the deployment of cranes, a high-capacity pump, and over 30 tons of gravel to drain the water, the extraction of the vehicle from the swamp was a painstaking process. The Polish Armed Forces even offered assistance, sending engineers, additional equipment, and 150 personnel to support the recovery operation.
Rescue teams had attempted to dive towards the sunken Hercules vehicle over the weekend, but a thick layer of mud hindered their progress, underscoring the complexity of the operation. The identities of the deceased soldiers have yet to be disclosed, but they were known to be part of an essential training mission aimed at recovering another Army vehicle during their exercise.
In a gesture of respect, a mass was held at Vilnius Cathedral in honor of the fallen soldiers, attended by US troops, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander in Europe General Christopher Cavoli, and the US Ambassador to Lithuania, Kara McDonald. The ceremony, officiated by Archbishop Gintaras Grušas, included prayers and readings, including a passage in English, reflecting the solidarity and mourning felt by both American and Lithuanian communities. The entire incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by military personnel in training and operational environments.
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