Three US Army soldiers, assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, were found deceased in Lithuania on March 31. The soldiers had been unaccounted for since going under the water during a tactical troop exercise. This particular incident occurred in the eastern city of Pabradė, near the Belarus border. The tragic discovery was made after an extensive six-day search operation involving US, Polish, and Lithuanian armed forces and authorities.
The US Navy dive team who put in uncounted hours to recover the missing soldiers. They expertly trudged through deep mud, hard clay, and soft sediment to finally get to the M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle. Wielding an enormous 63 tonnes, the vehicle had lain buried in a peat bog. Lithuanian armed forces provided assistance to the operation with military helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems and search-and-rescue congregations.
The rescue operation was no small feat, requiring the assistance of hundreds of local and international soldiers, engineers and divers. Heavy equipment and excavators worked tirelessly to remove silt from the water, eventually allowing the vehicle to be towed out early on Monday. The M88 Hercules was finally pulled free more than two hours of all-out wrenching.
“Three US army soldiers assigned to 1st Armored brigade combat team, 3rd infantry division were found deceased in Lithuania today, 31 March” – US Army Europe and Africa’s public affairs office
While the three soldiers’ bodies were recovered, the search for a fourth missing soldier is still underway. The US Navy dive team used high tech radar to search the location back and forth in search of him. Major General Christopher Norrie emphasized the unwavering commitment of those involved in the recovery efforts.
“But the search isn’t finished until everyone is home. Words cannot express our gratitude to those still working around the clock during these extensive search and recovery efforts and your unwavering commitment not to rest until all are found.” – Maj Gen Christopher Norrie
Lithuanian authorities first received reports of the soldiers’ disappearance on a large open training ground. It remains under investigation by US Army and Lithuanian authorities to find out how the incident occurred. South Korean government efforts to bring closure to this tragic event continue to be felt. The partnership between international forces is a further testament to their joint dedication to making sure no one is left behind.