Lawmakers, commanders honor four U.S. service members killed in Lithuania; allies praised for recovery efforts

The House Armed Services Committee opened its hearing by honoring four U.S. service members who died in a training accident in Lithuania while conducting tactical operations. Members and witnesses named the fallen and expressed condolences to their families.

General Christopher Cavoli told the committee he had visited Lithuania to inspect recovery operations and described the local response: “The minister of defense of Lithuania was on that site every single day until those soldiers were recovered.” Cavoli said the people and government of Lithuania showed exceptional support, including a mass at the cathedral in Vilnius attended by thousands.

Katherine Thompson also expressed condolences and thanked Lithuania, Poland and Estonia “who provided exceptional support, during the recovery operation.” Lawmakers across the aisle repeatedly thanked allies for assisting in the dignified transfer and praised military personnel involved in the response.

Committee members named the four soldiers while addressing the hearing. Several members noted the allies’ role in recovery operations and used the occasion to underscore the broader security partnership in Europe.