Moroccan search teams have recovered the body of U.S. Army First Lieutenant Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., who disappeared on May 2 near the Cap Draa Training Area in Morocco. The remains were found on Saturday in the Atlantic Ocean, within approximately one mile of where Key went missing during a training exercise.
A multinational search operation, involving over 600 personnel from the United States, Morocco, and other partner nations, remains active for a second U.S. service member who is still unaccounted for.== The soldier's disappearance occurred during 'African Lion', a large-scale joint military exercise conducted by the U.S. Africa Command.
First Lt. Key Jr., 27, hailed from Richmond, Virginia. He served as a platoon leader in Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. During his service, he received accolades such as the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. Commanding General of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Gen. Curtis King, expressed the unit's grief and commitment to supporting Key's family.
Read More: US Soldier's Body Found Off Morocco Coast After Training Exercise
The circumstances surrounding the soldiers' disappearance are noted as having occurred during a recreational hike intended to observe the sunset.== While the U.S. Army confirmed Key's remains were found, the identity of the second missing soldier has not yet been released. Moroccan military search teams were instrumental in the recovery, and their efforts were supported by forces from the United States, Morocco, and France. The ongoing search for the second soldier is concentrating on the area where Key's remains were found, while also monitoring a broader perimeter.
