CASABLANCA, Morocco — A U.S. soldier who went missing during a recent military exercise in Morocco has been found dead. 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., 27, was discovered in the Atlantic Ocean on May 9. He was one of two soldiers who fell off a cliff while hiking during their downtime.
The soldiers were reported missing on May 2 after participating in “African Lion,” a yearly multinational military exercise. A Moroccan military team located Key’s body about a mile from where both soldiers entered the ocean. The search started around 9 p.m. near the Cap Draa Training Area, a region filled with mountains and desert.
This search and rescue effort involved over 600 personnel from various countries, including the U.S. and Morocco. They utilized ships, helicopters, and drones in their attempt to locate the missing soldiers. While they have recovered Key’s remains, they are still looking for the second soldier.
Key was part of Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment. He joined the military in 2023 and became an officer in 2024, earning various commendations along the way.
African Lion is not just a single event—it’s a series of exercises involving more than 7,000 troops from over 30 nations across four countries: Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, and Senegal. Since its inception in 2004, it has become the largest U.S.-led military exercise in Africa.
Historically, this isn’t the first tragic event during these exercises. In 2012, a helicopter crash in Agadir resulted in the death of two U.S. Marines and injuries to two others. Such incidents highlight the risks military personnel face during training.
Recent data indicates that military exercises like African Lion are critical for international cooperation and training. According to the Defense Department, joint exercises help strengthen relationships between allied nations and improve readiness. With evolving global threats, these exercises will likely continue to play a vital role in military strategy.
As the search for the second soldier continues, the U.S. Army remains committed to supporting the efforts in Morocco, focusing on safety and recovery. The community is rallying around Key’s family during this difficult time, reflecting on the sacrifices made by military personnel in the line of duty.
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