Latest news with #OperationAtlanticResolve
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Army announces latest unit rotations, including soldiers from Lithuania heading home
The Army announced the latest rotation of units in Europe and the Middle East, including the return of a combat team that lost three of its soldiers in a Lithuanian training accident last month. The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Calvary Division from Fort Cavazos, Texas will replace the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Stewart, Georgia. During the 3rd Infantry Division's training in Lithuania, three soldiers were killed in an accident in March after their vehicle drove into a deep pond. Their disappearance prompted a week-long search of a local swamp with help brought in by the Lithuanian military. During their deployment, soldiers from 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division were deployed to several eastern and central European countries, including Poland, Estonia and Lithuania. The swapping of units are part of regular rotations of roughly 6,000 American forces deployed to locations across Poland and the Baltic states. As part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, soldiers head to Europe for nine months at a time and join multinational training events with regional U.S. Allies like Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania. 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Calvary Division, approximately 3,500 soldiers, recently wrapped a stint at the national training center to prepare for the deployment, a 1st Cavalry Division spokesperson told Task & Purpose. Additionally, soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division based out of Fort Riley, Kansas are also headed to Europe this summer. Like the soldiers from 1st Cavalry Division, these soldiers completed a rotation at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California in February to prepare for the upcoming deployment. They are replacing 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division soldiers based out of Fort Bliss, Texas who headed to Poland last December and joined exercises across Eastern Europe. The 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division will head to the Middle East to support ongoing operations against the Islamic State group. The region saw more action over the last month when the U.S. stepped up attacks against Houthi rebels in Yemen after a three-month hiatus. In the year prior, soldiers assigned to Central Command were fighting a two-front war against both the Islamic State group and Iranian proxies launching drones and rockets from Iraq and Syria. The attacks on U.S. forces were prompted by Israel's war against Hamas, U.S. officials said. The ongoing attacks were mostly thwarted with the exception of a Jan. 28 drone attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. soldiers. The 4ID soldiers will replace the 101st Airborne Division Combat Aviation Brigade. Nearly 2,000 air assault soldiers from the 101st brigade deployed to the Middle East in February after a year's worth of training for long-range, large-scale air assault operations, including nighttime missions. While in the Middle East they flew heavily around Erbil, Iraq. Navy fires commanding officer, command master chief of expeditionary security squadron The Marine Corps has settled the debate over the size of a rifle squad Leg day: Army cuts down on number of paid parachutists Navy commissions its newest submarine, the USS Iowa Why veterans are the real target audience for 'Helldivers 2'
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Rep. Carter holds moment of silence for deceased Ft. Stewart soldiers
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Representative Buddy Carter (GA-01) held a moment of silence on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to honor the Fort Stewart soldiers who lost their lives in Lithuania. Rep. Carter, a Republican who represents Ft. Stewart in Congress, led the bipartisan tribute, joined by other members of Georgia's House delegation, including Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14), Rich McCormick (GA-07) and Lucy McBath (GA-06). 'I was humbled to host a House Floor moment of silence to honor the 4 brave servicemen from Ft. Stewart who lost their lives in Lithuania,' Carter wrote on X. 'Please keep the families of Staff Sgts. Jose Duenez Jr., Edvin F. Franco, Troy S. Knutson-Collins, & Pfc. Dante D. Taitano in your prayers.' On Tuesday, March 25, four soldiers permanently stationed at Fort Stewart but deployed to Lithuania in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve were reported missing. The following day, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said that they were deceased. On Monday, March 31, three of the soldiers were confirmed dead. Their M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle were recovered from a peat bog. The fourth was confirmed dead the next day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mass. Army National Guard to deploy to Poland to 'make sure Russia goes no further'
WORCESTER — Russia's war with Ukraine was an undercurrent as dozens of National Guard troops stood at attention Sunday morning inside Alden Hall at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The troops were ready to be officially deployed to Poland. While standing ramrod tall and gazing straight ahead in their military fatigues as family and friends looked on, their mission was made clear. "We're going to make sure Russia goes no further,' said Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, adjutant general of the Massachusetts National Guard, in his remarks to those in attendance that included Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. Keefe's remark was tied directly to Russia's invasion of Ukraine more than three years ago in February 2022. Russia's military continues to pound Ukraine as ceasefire talks with the Trump administration experience fits and starts. Within a month, the roughly 70 members in the 182nd Medical Company of the Massachusetts Army National Guard will head to Poland as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve that dates back to 2014 when Russia invaded Ukraine and annexed Crimea. Officials didn't release where the 182nd will be stationed when it lands in Poland, but the company's leader, Maj. James Hogan, said the men and women will serve in an urgent care hospital. The 182nd Medical Company is one of the oldest medical units in the U.S. Army dating back 1888 when it was the Ambulance Corps of the 2nd Brigade of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. Worcester became the unit's home in 2008 when it was designated the 182 Medical Company. It's comprised of a range of medical specialists including medics, doctors, nurses, dentists and x-ray technicians, according Hogan. Poland is a notable destination for the 182nd because the country borders western Ukraine. Poland and other NATO members worry if Russia seizes Ukraine, then it could set it sights on additional territorial expansion. It's a tense time in the region as a top advisor to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said, according to reports, a red line would be crossed if Russia's expanded borders into Ukraine are recognized as part of a negotiated peace process. Keefe noted in his speech that China and Russia are conducting joint military exercises and both partner with Iran. 'This threatens our way of life and our freedoms,' said Keefe. Moments before he dismissed his troops, Hogan referred to the 182nd as "witch doctors," which is the established nickname because of the company's medical focus. Then it was time for the dismissed to get hugs and kisses from family and friends, while some in the 182nd held their small children in their arms. Separation from family is an emotional part of deployment, and while officials reminded the audience that support services are in place, the reality of loved ones being away for extended durations is a tough pill to swallow. That holds true for the Keifer family from Danvers. Sgt. Amy Keifer said it will be sad to be away from home, but 'its a good opportunity to support a good mission.' Keifer's mother, Jennifer, admitted she cried several times during Sunday's ceremony. 'I'm praying for her and her unit,' said Jennifer Keifer. "I'll be paying attention to the United States relationship with its allies and Russia's intervention in the region." 'An unfortunate circumstance, for sure,' is how 182nd member Joseph Lords, 29, of North Andover, described the war in Ukraine. He also noted, 'It's a great opportunity to do our job." When asked if the 182nd will get enough support as the Trump administration's policies include ending transgender military service, cutting diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and eliminating thousands of jobs at the Veterans Administration, Lords said he'll get "a lot of support' from his fellow 182nd troops. "Excited" is how Ruth Arroyo, 22, described her feelings about going to Poland as part of the 182nd. Arroyo works as a medical technician in the emergency department at Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington. Her parents, Luis and Rosa Arroyo, said they had mixed emotions because while they're happy their daughter is doing what she wants, they'll miss her when she's overseas. "I feel OK," said Luis Arroyo, noting his daughter will only be a phone call away when she's in Poland. Hogan, the 182nd commander, instilled confidence in his troops, telling them they're ready for the mission. Driscoll also injected a sense of confidence building: "You represent the state more than anyone else can. Come home safe." Contact Henry Schwan at Follow him on X: @henrytelegram. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Mass. National Guard to Poland to 'make sure Russia goes no further'
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Yahoo
Army identifies final soldier found deceased in Lithuania peat bog
Editor's note: This is a developing story and will be updated. The U.S. Army identified on Wednesday the fourth and final soldier found deceased in a peat bog at a training site in Lithuania. Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins, 28, was recovered from the bog Tuesday, one week after he and three other soldiers were reported missing while operating an M88A2 Hercules armored vehicle near Pabadre, Lithuania. The other soldiers, found one day before Knutson-Collins, were identified Tuesday as Sgt. Jose Duenez, Jr., 25, of Joliet, Illinois; Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, 25, of Glendale, California; and Pfc. Dante D. Taitano, 21, of Dededo, Guam. All four soldiers were from 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. 'It's time to bring them all home,' the 3rd Infantry Division wrote on social media Wednesday. At the time the soldiers were reported missing March 25, they had been conducting a maintenance mission with an M88A2 Hercules armored vehicle to recover another Army vehicle at a training area near Pabadre, Army officials previously said. The soldiers, permanently stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, were deployed to Lithuania as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, which has been sending rotations into Europe since Russia invaded the Crimea region of Ukraine in 2014. The family of Knutson-Collins, located in western Michigan, spoke to their local WOOD-TV news station about him Sunday, before the Army publicly identified him as the final missing soldier. Knutson-Collins was the father of five children and enlisted in the Army in 2017 at the age of 20, his father, Robert Collins, told the television station. Collins told WOOD-TV that he was initially reluctant to see his son enlist, but added, 'He even grew more as a man and a man that I totally respect. He just turned out to be awesome.' Duenez was an M1 Abrams tank system maintainer and had served more than seven years in the Army. He deployed to Poland in 2021 and Germany in 2022, and he was currently serving in the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment. 'Sgt. Jose Duenez will always hold a special place in our hearts. As both a leader and a soldier, he set an example every day — always the first to arrive and the last to leave, greeting every challenge with a smile and a readiness to support anyone who required assistance,' said Capt. Madyson K. Wellens, a commander in his squadron. Franco was also an M1 Abrams tank system maintainer who had been in the Army for more than six years. He deployed to Korea in 2020 and Germany in 2022. Wellens said Franco's 'infectious smile and genuine joy in being with his team were matched only by the tenacity and drive. He never asked more of his soldiers than he was willing to give himself — a true testament to his character.' Taitano was also an M1 Abrams tank system maintainer. He had been in the Army for nearly two years, and this was his first deployment. Cpt. Matthew Lund, another 5th Squadron commander, said, 'Taitano will always be remembered as the spark of the team. He wore a smile on his face no matter the environment or task and constantly brought the team together with his charisma and laughter.' After they were reported missing March 25, search teams found the soldiers' vehicle 15 feet underwater the following day. What followed was an arduous, multiday effort to get to the vehicle, which continued to sink and be encased in mud as time went on. The recovery team grew to hundreds of people from the U.S., Lithuania, Poland and Estonia, the Army said. The team included engineers, divers and recovery dogs and their handlers, among others. There was a breakthrough in the recovery effort Sunday when the Navy dive crew — after multiple failed attempts — attached steel cables to two of the hoist points on the M88A2 Hercules. To get to the hoist points, divers maneuvered through layers of mud, clay and sediment, using a ground-penetrating radar provided by Lithuanian experts to find their way. Two hours after the cables were attached, the vehicle was unearthed from the bog. At that point, Duenez, Franco and Taitano were recovered, while Knutson-Collins remained missing. He was found in the bog Tuesday after the search team brought in recovery dogs and their handlers, as well as two specialized drone systems, to find him. 'We are incredibly relieved that we were able to bring this recovery to an end and bring closure to all the families, friends and teammates of our soldiers,' said Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commanding general of 1st Armored Division. 'We cannot thank our Allies and fellow service members enough, especially the Lithuanians, who spared no resource in support of this mission. Together, we delivered on our promise to never leave a fallen comrade.' An investigation into the incident is ongoing, the Army said. Military Times Editor Beth Sullivan and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Army IDs 3 of 4 soldiers killed in Lithuania training accident
The U.S. Army on Tuesday identified three of the four U.S. soldiers who died during a training exercise in Lithuania last week. Sgt. Jose Duenez, Jr., 25, of Joliet, Illinois; Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, 25, of Glendale, California; and Pfc. Dante D. Taitano, 21, of Dededo, Guam, all from 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were recovered Monday from a peat bog at a training site near Pabrade, Lithuania, the Army said. 'This loss is simply devastating,' said Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, 3rd Infantry Division commanding general, in a statement posted on the 3rd Infantry Division's Facebook page. 'These men were honored soldiers of the Marne Division. We are wrapping our arms around the families and loved ones of our soldiers during [this] incredibly difficult time.' A fourth soldier was recovered earlier Tuesday. The Army has not released their name, pending confirmation of notification of next of kin. At the time the soldiers were reported missing March 25, they had been conducting a maintenance mission with an M88A2 Hercules armored vehicle to recover another Army vehicle at a training area near Pabadre, Army officials previously said. The soldiers were deployed to Lithuania as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, which has been sending rotations into Europe since Russia invaded the Crimea region of Ukraine in 2014. The soldiers were permanently stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia. According to the 3rd Infantry Division, Duenez was an M1 Abrams tank system maintainer and had served more than seven years in the Army. He deployed to Poland in 2021 and Germany in 2022, and he was currently serving in the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment. 'Sgt. Jose Duenez will always hold a special place in our hearts. As both a leader and a soldier, he set an example every day — always the first to arrive and the last to leave, greeting every challenge with a smile and a readiness to support anyone who required assistance,' said Capt. Madyson K. Wellens, a commander in his squadron. Franco was also an M1 Abrams tank system maintainer who had been in the Army for more than six years. He deployed to Korea in 2020 and Germany in 2022. Wellens said Franco's 'infectious smile and genuine joy in being with his team were matched only by the tenacity and drive. He never asked more of his soldiers than he was willing to give himself — a true testament to his character.' Taitano was also an M1 Abrams tank system maintainer. He had been in the Army for nearly two years, and this was his first deployment. Cpt. Matthew Lund, another 5th Squadron commander, said, 'Taitano will always be remembered as the spark of the team. He wore a smile on his face no matter the environment or task and constantly brought the team together with his charisma and laughter.' The initial search for the soldiers included military helicopters, Lithuanian diving teams and hundreds of U.S. and Lithuanian soldiers and law enforcement officers looking through thick forests and swampy terrain. On March 26, search teams found the soldiers' vehicle 15 feet underwater. What followed was an arduous, multiday effort to get to the vehicle, which continued to sink and be encased in mud as time went on. Officials brought in engineers, tons of gravel, excavators and slurry pumps. The Polish Armed Forces volunteered a unit of 150 military engineers to help in the recovery. And over the weekend, a U.S. Navy dive crew from Commander, Task Force 68, headquartered in Rota, Spain, arrived on site. There was a breakthrough in the recovery effort Sunday when the Navy dive crew — after multiple failed attempts — attached steel cables to two of the hoist points on the M88A2 Hercules, the Army said. To get to the hoist points, divers maneuvered through layers of mud, clay and sediment, using a ground-penetrating radar provided by Lithuanian experts to find their way. Two hours after the cables were attached, the vehicle was unearthed from the bog. By that time, the recovery team grew to include hundreds of personnel from multiple services and countries, the Army said. Recovery operations continued Monday after the crews recovered the bodies of three of the soldiers. Recovery dogs and their handlers flew in from Estonia on Monday to assist in the search for the fourth soldier. Crews also employed two specialized drone systems, including one equipped with ground-penetrating radar. 'We are incredibly relieved that we were able to bring this recovery to an end and bring closure to all the families, friends and teammates of our soldiers,' said Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commanding general of 1st Armored Division. 'We cannot thank our Allies and fellow service members enough, especially the Lithuanians, who spared no resource in support of this mission. Together, we delivered on our promise to never leave a fallen comrade.' An investigation into the incident is ongoing, the Army said. Military Times Senior Editor Nikki Wentling and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
