The body of a U.S. soldier who went missing during a training exercise in Morocco has been recovered, while search operations continue for a second missing soldier.
The incident occurred near the Cap Draa Training Area in Tan-Tan, Morocco.
Incident Details
According to a preliminary report, the two soldiers were part of a group hiking to watch a sunset on May 2, 2025, when one soldier, who could not swim, fell into the water. The second soldier jumped in to attempt a rescue but was struck by a wave. The soldiers were off duty at the time of the incident.
The body of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., a 27-year-old U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery officer, was recovered from the Atlantic Ocean on May 9, 2025. Moroccan military searchers discovered his remains at approximately 8:55 a.m. local time along the shoreline, within one mile (1.6 km) of where the two soldiers disappeared.
"The body of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., a 27-year-old U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery officer, was recovered from the Atlantic Ocean on May 9, 2025."
Search Operations
The search-and-rescue operation involved over 600 to 1,000 U.S. and Moroccan military and civil personnel, along with frigates, vessels, helicopters, and drones. A U.S. contingent remains in Morocco to support ongoing search operations for the second missing soldier.
Soldier Identification and Background
1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. was from Richmond, Virginia. He served as a platoon leader in an artillery unit assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.
- He entered service in 2023 as an officer candidate and was commissioned in 2024.
- Key held a Bachelor of Science in marketing from Methodist University.
- He earned the Army Achievement Medal and Army Service Ribbon.
His remains are being repatriated from Morocco to the United States.
Exercise Context
Both soldiers were participating in African Lion 26, an annual multinational exercise hosted by Morocco and conducted by the U.S. Africa Command.
"The exercise concluded on May 9, 2025, and involved approximately 5,000 personnel from over 40 countries."
The exercise involved U.S. forces, NATO allies, and African partner nations.