Lithuanian, Polish troops aid in ‘search and recovery’ for 4 missing US soldiers

The Polish military has announced the establishment of a group to assist the Lithuanian Army and U.S. Army in a recovery operation for four U.S. Army soldiers who went missing during a training exercise near Pabradė, Lithuania. These soldiers, based in Fort Stewart in Georgia, were on a maintenance mission to recover another U.S. Army vehicle when they disappeared.

The initial search involved hundreds of U.S. and Lithuanian soldiers, law enforcement, military helicopters, and dive teams combing through the thick forests and swampy terrain. Despite these efforts, the soldiers have not been located, and the M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle they were in was found submerged in a body of water inside the training area near Pabradė.

Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė expressed the country’s commitment to finding the missing soldiers, stating that they had deployed all available resources, including helicopters with thermal vision and ground forces, to intensively search for them. The challenging terrain, which includes water, mud, and soft ground, has complicated recovery efforts, requiring specialized equipment.

In response to the situation, Polish officials announced that a group of troops with engineering equipment would be sent to assist in the recovery efforts. Land dredging equipment was on the way, and efforts were being made to drain water from the site and stabilize the ground. The pressurized gas pipeline near the area has been secured, allowing for safe operations.

The plan moving forward involves deploying a water master dredger and bulk pipe to the location to aid in pumping water and mud, with the goal of reaching the submerged vehicle. A diver will assess the position of the vehicle, and if necessary, cables will be attached to tow it to shore to check for the missing soldiers.

Šakalienė emphasized that there was no evidence confirming the soldiers’ deaths, and all efforts were being made to locate them. The challenging environment and weather conditions in the area have posed difficulties, but Lithuania remains determined to find the soldiers and provide answers to their families.

Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed the urgent dispatch of Polish soldiers with heavy equipment to assist in the recovery efforts. As NATO allies, both Poland and Lithuania are working closely with U.S. Army personnel and the U.S. Ambassador to coordinate resources for the search and recovery mission.

The operation has transitioned from a rescue mission to a search and recovery effort, with U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor expressing gratitude for the support of Lithuanian allies. The soldiers’ families are being kept informed, and prayers are being offered for their safe return.

The joint efforts of the Polish, Lithuanian, and U.S. military demonstrate a strong commitment to finding the missing soldiers and bringing them home. The situation remains ongoing, with all parties working tirelessly to ensure a successful outcome.