Lithuanians bid farewell to 4 US soldiers who died during training exercise

Even though it’s a workday, let’s not remain indifferent ... bow your head, and honor the US soldiers who lost their lives during training while preparing to defend our freedom, standing true to their oath, giving their all, to the very end,

Stiprus Kartu, or Strong Together, wrote on Facebook

This loss is simply devastating,

said Norrie, the 3rd Infantry Division commander

We extend our condolences to the families of all four soldiers lost in this tragic accident and thank all those involved in the search efforts.”

In a post on X, he said

The recovery was conducted with urgency, resolve and deep respect for the fallen. We will never forget these soldiers -- and our prayers are with their families,

he said

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."

Div. commanding general, in a statement on Monday said

The Soldier was found after a search by hundreds of rescue workers from the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Lithuanian Armed Forces, Polish Armed Forces, Estonian Armed Forces, and many other elements of the Lithuanian government and civilian agencies,

the statement said

Deeply saddened to announce that the body of the fourth US soldier, who was training in Lithuania has been found,

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda wrote on the social media platform X, offering condolences

Lithuania has been praying for all four missing soldiers, and now, with all our hearts, we stand with their families,

he said on social media

Police working dogs from the Lithuanian Armed Forces began work yesterday afternoon and NATO ally Estonia joined the recovery efforts early this morning,

U.S. Army Europe and Africa said in a statement Tuesday

The names of the deceased are withheld pending confirmation of next of kin,

it continued

Two Estonian recovery dogs, Tilt and Maik, and their handlers flew from Tallinn, Estonia. They arrived on scene at 2:00 a.m. and began searching at 7:00 a.m. this morning. Handlers have positioned the dogs in a U.S. Navy Rigid Inflatable Boat to locate any trace scents below the surface,

it added

No words can truly capture the pain of this loss, but my deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and fellow soldiers mourning their heroes,

he said