SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC/Gray News) – A community is on edge as the search for four 3rd Infantry Division soldiers in Western Lithuania continues.
U.S. Army Europe and Africa divisions said the M88 Hercules Armored vehicle the soldiers were operating during a training exercise was located in Lithuania. It was found submerged in a body of water in the training area.
The four soldiers, who call Fort Stewart home, however, have not been located.
“We really hope that they find the soldiers and find them safe. They’re out serving their country; they’re doing what we do so we can sleep peacefully at night so we pray that they can be found safely and returned home to their families,” Liberty County Chairman Donald Lovette said.
Meanwhile, Lithuanian Armed Forces said in a statement that there is no evidence or information confirming the death of the troops.
The Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Lithuania posted to X on Thursday saying, “the water level at the incident site in Pabradė has been pumped down enough to begin excavation work.”
In a Thursday morning release from the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Division, they said that the challenges presented by the water and mud around the site where the vehicle is has required specialized equipment.
“Engineers on site are working to create berms. These berms—barriers built of dirt and sand from the nearby terrain—are designed to create a contained area from which water can be pumped and mud dredged, providing emergency personnel on site access to the vehicle.”
The Defense Minister of Lithuania met with the U.S. military community in Lithuania on Thursday saying, “Lithuania, just like US, does not leave our own behind. And for us troops are our own — they are OUR soldiers and friends.”
The Defense Minister of Lithuania also said on Thursday she had spoken with the Deputy Prime Minister of Poland and learned Poland is sending “a group of troops with engineering equipment to assist in our search & rescue operation.”
Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, 3rd Infantry Division Commander released a statement Thursday saying, “This is gut-wrenching for the entire 3rd Infantry Division. Our hearts are with the families of our missing Soldiers and all of Raider Brigade during this difficult time, both forward and here at home. The 3rd Infantry Division has an extensive history in Europe, almost like a second home and over the past few days we’ve relied on the strong bonds built over years of partnership. Words cannot express our gratitude to all who have dedicated countless hours to the ongoing search and recovery efforts in ensuring our Soldiers are found.”
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