Four U.S. soldiers have been found dead in Lithuania after their armored recovery vehicle sank in a peat bog during a training exercise, concluding a dramatic search.
Key Takeaways
- Four U.S. soldiers were found dead after their M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicle sank in a peat bog in Lithuania.
- The vehicle was on a mission to repair and tow an immobilized tactical vehicle when the accident occurred at the General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground.
- Lithuanian and Estonian police canine units were deployed to assist in the search using specialized techniques including a U.S. Navy Rigid Inflatable Boat.
- The recovery operation involved hundreds of personnel, specialized equipment, and collaboration between U.S. forces, Lithuanian Armed Forces, and other agencies.
- The vehicle was recovered from 15 feet of water after a six-day effort using Navy divers working in challenging conditions.
Tragic Loss During NATO Training Exercise
A major search and recovery operation concludes in Lithuania as authorities have located the last missing U.S. soldier from a training accident that claimed the lives of four American service members. The soldiers, members of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, were operating an M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle at the General Silvestras Žukauskas training ground in Pabradė when it became submerged in a peat bog. The vehicle was on a mission to repair and tow an immobilized tactical vehicle when the incident occurred.
The recovery effort has involved significant resources from multiple countries, demonstrating the strong alliance between NATO members. After a six-day effort, crews successfully recovered the armored vehicle from approximately 15 feet of water on Monday. U.S. Navy divers worked in extremely challenging conditions to attach cables to the submerged vehicle, allowing heavy dozers to pull it ashore.
Today, I was informed that the remains of the fourth and final missing U.S. Army Soldier from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division were recovered in Lithuania. I want to personally extend my deepest condolences to the families of all four fallen Soldiers.…
— Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) April 1, 2025
Specialized Search Techniques Deployed
As the search for the final missing soldier continued into Tuesday, specialized assets were brought in to assist with the challenging terrain. Police working dogs from the Lithuanian Armed Forces began working at the site shortly after the accident, and NATO ally Estonia has sent additional resources to aid in the recovery efforts. Two Estonian recovery dogs, their handlers, were flown in from Tallinn to join the operation.
In addition to canine units, the search operation utilized specialized drone systems with ground-penetrating radar to scan the area from above. These advanced technologies were critical in the effort to thoroughly examine the swamp area and locate the last missing soldier. The recovery operation involved hundreds of soldiers and law enforcement personnel, with support from Lithuanian military helicopters and aircraft providing aerial surveillance.
Military Leadership Expresses Condolences
Military leaders from both the United States and Lithuania have expressed their condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers. The accident has deeply affected the military community, particularly the 3rd Infantry Division known as the “Dogface Soldiers,” who are currently deployed to Lithuania as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.
“The Soldiers we have lost in this tragedy were not just Soldiers — they were a part of our family. Our hearts are heavy with a sorrow that echoes across the whole Marne Division, both forward and at home. We stand in grief with the families and loved ones of these extraordinary ‘Dogface Soldiers’ during this unimaginable time,” said 3rd Infantry Division Commanding Officer Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie.
The U.S. Army and Lithuanian authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. Lithuania, a NATO member since 2004, has hosted U.S. troops as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve since 2014, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
