Efforts to locate four U.S. Army soldiers missing in Lithuania have intensified, with U.S. military crews collaborating with Polish and Lithuanian teams in a complex recovery operation. The soldiers, part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division based at Fort Stewart, Georgia, disappeared on March 25, 2025, during a training exercise near Pabradė.
The soldiers were aboard an M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle tasked with a maintenance mission when it submerged in a peat bog. The vehicle was discovered the following day, March 26, approximately 13 feet underwater and encased in over six feet of thick mud. As recovery efforts continued, U.S. Navy divers successfully attached two lines to hoist points on the vehicle on March 30, enabling it to be anchored and preventing further sinking.
Brig. Gen. John Lloyd, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers North Atlantic Division, described the recovery operation as highly complex due to the vehicle's substantial weight of 70 tons and the challenging terrain. "It is highly complex trying to get to the vehicle itself with the terrain out here and where the M88 is sitting in a bog swamp-like area, below the waterline," Lloyd noted. "So not only are we dealing with the terrain, a lot of mud that is over top of the vehicle, but also the fact that it's 70 tons that we're trying to recover out of a swamp or bog."
On March 31, the Army announced that winching operations were set to commence, although officials warned that the process could take a significant amount of time and effort due to the pressure and suction from the mud. A Rapidly Available Interface for Trans-loading (RAIL) system was also expected to aid in stabilizing the ground around the recovery site.
The search for the missing soldiers has drawn support from various groups, including local authorities and civilians. Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė emphasized that Lithuania has "given everything" to assist in the search. "From helicopters with thermal vision to forces on the ground, we are continuing very intensely," she stated. As of March 27, she confirmed there was no evidence to suggest the soldiers had perished, expressing hope for their safe return.
Among the missing soldiers is Sgt. Edvin Franco, identified by his wife, Georgia Franco. The couple met in 2022 and welcomed their first child in October 2024. Georgia recounted their last conversation on March 24, where Edvin mentioned they were going on a recovery mission. Her life changed drastically when she received a knock on her door at 11 PM on March 25, informing her that her husband's status was unknown. "Our worst fear as a military spouse is getting a knock on your door," she said.
Georgia urged the public to remember that the missing soldiers are people with families who are deeply affected by the situation. "Just don’t believe everything that you read. And know that these are people, and we are families, and we are hurting," she implored. "Until we have confirmation of anything, just keep us in your prayers and your thoughts."
The recovery efforts have been hampered by the muddy conditions and the vehicle's considerable weight, but the U.S. military remains committed to finding the soldiers. Over 200 personnel, including American and Lithuanian soldiers, have been involved in the operation, which has included draining water and mud from the site. The situation weighs heavily on the families of the missing soldiers, who have been kept informed of all developments.
On March 28, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor expressed the Army's commitment to the recovery efforts, stating, "This tragic situation weighs heavily on all of us, and we’re keeping the families, friends, and teammates of our soldiers and recovery team in our thoughts and prayers. We want everyone to know we will not stop until our soldiers are found."
The incident has also drawn attention from national leaders, including President Donald Trump, who stated he had not been briefed on the missing soldiers. The training site where the incident occurred is less than six miles from the Belarus border, a region known for its challenging terrain and weather conditions.
As the recovery operation continues, the Lithuanian government organized a joint prayer service on March 30 at its main church, where military personnel and civilians came together to pray for the missing soldiers and their families. "Shoulder to shoulder, we stand together until we find missing soldiers," Minister Šakalienė stated, highlighting the unity of effort in this difficult time.
Despite the challenges, the U.S. Army and its allies remain hopeful. The recovery of the M88 Hercules is seen as a crucial step towards potentially locating the missing soldiers. "This is the first big step towards successfully recovering the vehicle and bringing our Soldiers home," the U.S. Army Europe and Africa said in a statement.
As the situation unfolds, the families, friends, and military personnel involved remain steadfast in their hope for a positive outcome. The search for the four soldiers continues, with all involved committed to the mission until they are found.
