The soldiers went missing during a military exercise earlier this month, triggering a massive search by land, sea and air.
The U.S. Army says two U.S. soldiers who went missing during training in Morocco earlier this month have been identified after an extensive multinational search and rescue operation.
The soldiers went missing on May 2 near the Kadra training area during African Lion 26, a large-scale joint military exercise involving U.S. and Moroccan troops. More than 1,000 U.S. and Moroccan military and civilian personnel are involved in the search on land, air and sea.
The Army said the remains of the two soldiers were transported from Morocco aboard a U.S. Air Force C-130J and are being flown back to the United States. The incident remains under investigation.
1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr.
keyThe 27-year-old Richmond, Virginia, native was found by a Moroccan military search party on May 9 along the shoreline about a mile from where the soldiers entered the sea.
He served as the platoon leader of Battery Charlie, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.
A graduate of North Carolina Methodist University, Key enlisted in the Army in 2023 and received his commission as an air defense artillery officer through Officer Candidate School in 2024. His awards include the Army Achievement Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
“Kendrick embodies the highest standards of service as a selfless, inspirational leader whose unwavering dedication to Soldiers and their development leaves a lasting legacy within our ranks,” said Lt. Col. Chris Couch, 5-4 ADAR commander.
Specification. Maria Simon Clinton
ClintonThe 19-year-old Tavares, Florida, native was found on May 12 in a coastal cave about 500 meters from where the soldiers were last seen, according to the Army. Officials said rough ocean conditions and terrain complicated the rescue operation.
Clinton served as a member of the air defense and missile defense crew and belonged to the same unit as Key. She enlisted in the Army in 2024 and was promoted to specialist on May 1, 2026, the day before the soldier disappeared.
Among her awards are the Army Service Ribbon.
“Sergeant Collington is an outstanding Soldier whose unwavering enthusiasm and positive spirit uplift every situation she enters,” said Capt. Spencer Grider, 5-4 ADAR Charlie Battery commander. “Whether in the office, on the battlefield, or among colleagues, her infectious energy fostered connections and camaraderie, bringing people together through her genuine warmth and heartfelt sense of humor. Her presence will be greatly missed by our formation.”
