Dante Gogo Taitano, originally from Guam, has been confirmed as one of four soldiers from the U.S. Army 3rd infantry division troops based out of Fort Stewart in Georgia reported missing in Lithuania. 

It was Tuesday when the soldiers went missing when they were on a mission to recover another army vehicle during unit training.

The soldiers' armored vehicle was discovered submerged in 15 feet of water and so far teams have been unable to get inside or pull it out.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commented, “At the Defense Department, our hearts and prayers continue in an unrelated but powerful matter, and continue to go out to the soldiers and families impacted by the ongoing recovery operation for four missing U.S. soldiers in Lithuania. We continue to monitor the situation very closely, and it's a reminder, no matter whether it's an actual combat situation, whether it's training or exercises, nothing in the world of soldiering is routine. It all comes with danger and with risks, and we're thinking about those soldiers and their families today.”

U.S. Army Europe and Africa said Friday that cranes, a large-capacity pump, and more than 30 tons of gravel have been brought in to help drain the water, dig out the mud and pull the M88 Hercules out of the swamp. 

They warn that this will be a long operation.

The Hercules was found on Wednesday, and teams have been working since then to get the vehicle out.

The soldiers are part of the 1st brigade, 3rd infantry division. A U.S. Navy dive crew is being brought in, and the Polish Armed Forces have volunteered to send engineers, additional equipment and 150 personnel to also assist.

The soldiers were reported missing during an exercise in a town less than 6 miles from the border with Belarus.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families.