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Search for US soldiers went missing during exercises continues in Pabradė

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2025-03-28

In Pabradė, at the General S. Žukauskas Training Area, an intensive search and rescue operation for US soldiers who went missing is underway. The operation involves close cooperation between Lithuanian and US forces, as well as contributions from other allied forces, state institutions and private companies.

Work continues around the clock, with bulldozers and excavators in use, and additional access routes being constructed to reach the swampy area, enabling progress in retrieving submerged equipment and advancing the search.

"We will not lose hope until the very last moment. We are doing everything in our power to locate the missing soldiers. For Lithuania, just as for the United States, no one is left behind. To us, U.S. troops are not just allies—they are our soldiers, our friends," stated Lithuanian Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė during her visit to the operation site alongside the Lithuanian Armed Forces Commander. The minister noted that constant communication is maintained with the families of the missing US soldiers in Pabradė, ensuring they receive the latest updates first.

Support has also been provided by the Polish Armed Forces with a group of troops with engineering equipment to assist in the search and rescue operation.

The search and rescue mission began on 25 March following reports of the disappearance of four US troops and a tracked vehicle during an exercise. The missing soldiers belong to the 1st Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division of the US Army.

"I would like to personally thank the Lithuanian Armed Forces and first responders who quickly came to our aid in our search operations. It's this kind of teamwork and support that exemplifies the importance of our partnership and our humanity regardless of what flags we wear on our shoulders," said Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, the V Corps commanding general.

The operation and search efforts will proceed at full capacity for as long as necessary, ensuring that all possible resources and capabilities are utilised to successfully locate and rescue the missing soldiers.