The soldiers vanished during a military exercise earlier this month, prompting a large-scale search across land, air and sea.
Two U.S. soldiers who went missing during training exercises in Morocco earlier this month have been identified after extensive multinational search and recovery operations, the U.S. Army said.
The soldiers disappeared May 2 near the Cap Draa Training Area during African Lion 26, a large joint military exercise involving U.S. and Moroccan forces. More than 1,000 U.S. and Moroccan military and civil personnel participated in the search effort across land, air and sea operations.
The Army said the remains of both soldiers were transported from Morocco aboard a U.S. Air Force C-130J and are being returned to the United States. The incident remains under investigation.
1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr.
Key, 27, of Richmond, Virginia, was recovered May 9 after Moroccan military search teams found him along the shoreline about one mile from where the soldiers reportedly entered the ocean.
He served as a platoon leader assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.
Key graduated from Methodist University in North Carolina and entered military service in 2023, earning his commission as an Air Defense Artillery officer through Officer Candidate School in 2024. His awards included the Army Achievement Medal and Army Service Ribbon.
“Kendrick embodied the highest standards of service as a selfless, inspirational leader whose unwavering dedication to his Soldiers and their development leaves an enduring legacy within our ranks,” said Lt. Col. Chris Couch, commander of 5-4 ADAR.
Spc. Mariyah Symone Collington
Collington, 19, of Tavares, Florida, was recovered May 12 from a coastal cave about 500 meters from where the soldiers were last seen, according to the Army. Officials said difficult ocean conditions and terrain complicated the recovery operation.
Collington served as an air and missile defense crewmember assigned to the same unit as Key. She entered active-duty service in 2024 and was promoted to specialist on May 1, 2026, just one day before the soldiers went missing.
Her awards included the Army Service Ribbon.
“Spc. Collington was an outstanding Soldier whose unwavering enthusiasm and positive spirit uplifted every environment she entered,” said Capt. Spencer Grider, commander of Charlie Battery, 5-4 ADAR.“Her infectious energy, whether in the office, in the field or among her peers, fostered connection and camaraderie, bringing people together through her genuine warmth and heartfelt sense of humor. Her presence will be greatly missed a cross our formation.”