U.S. Air Force officials have recovered the remains of the second Black soldier who went missing last week following a military training exercise in Morocco.
The body of Spc. Mariyah Symone Collington was recovered by U.S. Air Force pararescuemen and Moroccan military officials on Wednesday (May 13), according to a press release from the U.S. Army Europe and Africa.
Collington is one of two soldiers who went missing in Morocco after falling off a cliff during the African Lion 26 on May 2, an annual multinational military exercise that included over 7,000 personnel across over 30 participating nations.
Collington reportedly entered the Regular Army’s Delayed Entry Program in 2023 before beginning active-duty service in 2024. She completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, then served as an air and missile defense crew member assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. Her awards and decorations include the Army Service Ribbon.
“The loss of Spc. Collington is a profound loss for the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command,” said Brig. Gen. Curtis King, commanding general of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. “Her recovery closes the search for our two missing Soldiers, but our commitment to caring for their Families, friends, and teammates continues. We are grateful to the U.S. and Moroccan forces for their professionalism and support throughout the search efforts.”
The first soldier, 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., was recovered on Monday (May 11). He was also assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.
He entered the military as an officer candidate in 2023, before earning his first commission through Officer Candidate School in 2024 as an Air Defense Artillery officer. Among his military decorations were the Army Achievement Medal and Army Service Ribbon.
“Today, we mourn the loss of 1st Lt. Kendrick Key, whose remains were recovered in Morocco,” King said. “Our hearts are with his Family, friends, teammates, and all who knew and served alongside him. The 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command Family is grieving, and we will continue to support one another and 1st Lt. Key’s Family as we honor his life and service.”
With both soldiers recovered, U.S. Army Europe and Africa confirmed that search and rescue operations have concluded, and military officials can now shift focus to recovery and repatriation.
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