U.S. Army Identifies Soldier Recovered in Morocco During African Lion Exercise

Mintesinot Niggusie

Moroccan search teams have recovered the remains of a U.S. soldier in waters located within about one mile (1.6 km) of the area where he went missing on May 2, the U.S. Army said in a statement.

The service member was identified as 1st Lieutenant Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., a platoon leader in an artillery unit. Search operations are still ongoing for a second soldier who remains missing, according to the Army.

The personnel were taking part in African Lion, the largest annual joint military exercise conducted by U.S. Africa Command in coordination with NATO allies and African partner nations.

The exercise’s main activities are hosted in Morocco and involve roughly 5,000 participants from more than 40 countries, according to AFRICOM.

Search and recovery efforts continue for the remaining missing personnel. The U.S. Army expressed its deepest condolences to the family of 1st Lieutenant Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. during this difficult time.