To use, click the "Overview of Timeline" button above to expand to view other entries. Do the same to go back and view other entries. Times are in EET and approximate, rounded to the nearest half hour. As this is a rapidly developing and changing situation, we will provide updates as quickly as possible.

Ground searchers identified a potential location of the M88 Hercules at a small pond south of Forward Operating Station Taurus.

A Lithuanian dive team entered the water and located the M88 Hercules approximately 20 feet underwater.

The pond is identified as being a natural gas line easement, and a Lithuanian gas company conducts assessment on draining the pineline.

Lithuanian engineers arrive to the site to begin building a berm around the site to enable further recovery efforts.

Lithuanian divers contend with challenging diving conditions (fuel in the water, significant mud and silt) and assess the M88 is resting on top of the natural gas line, and it is also deeper than previously believed.

Ground preparation for heavy equipment begins.

Lithuanian firefighters begin pumping water out of the pond.

Pumping operations continue, but Lithuanian operators on site assess dredging will be required to continue recovery operations. U.S. Army Europe and Africa and 21st Theater Sustainment Command begin attempts to locate dredging equipment.

Rescue workers begin attempts to resource cranes in the 100 to 120 ton range to recover the M88 after sufficient pumping and dredging has been completed.

Additional U.S. Army Chaplains arrive to the area to provide support to Soldiers and rescue workers.

Pumping operations continue but the pump regularly becomes clogged with mud and debris, requiring operators to stop pumping to clear the blockages.

The M88 currently sits approximately 10 feet betlow the waterline, but appears to be sinking deeper into the mud.

Rescue workers begin work to solidfy a solid platform for large excavation and recovery equipment on the perimeter of the pond. Lithuanian begins work to source gravel to reinforce the platform as well as dredging equipment.

The M88 has sunk deep enough in the mud that after the water is removed significant mud dredging will be required before the vehicle is able to be recovered.

U.S. construction equipment is moving dirt to prepare the platform, and Lithuanian bulldozers are enroute.

Generators and work lights arrive on site, and crews will continue working through the night.

An exacavator is able to make physical contact with the nearest corner of the M88 by fully extending the arm down and into the pond.

Two cranes in the 100+ ton range arrive at Camp Herkus

The natural gas line has been disconnected. Lithuanian dump trucks arrive to Camp Herkus in preparation of hauling sand to teh recovery location to support overnight berming and pumping operations.

Lithuanian dump trucks arrive at the recovery site to back haul material away from the sight.

Rescue workers request a amphibious excavator to assist in dredging efforts.

Pumping operations continue, rescue workers estimate the water has reduced between 18-36" from when pumping operations began.

Additional Lithuanian exacator arrives on site.

Pumping operations continue and water level has been reduced by approximately 3'. However, the rescue workers are battling to stop water from adjacent bodies of water from flowing back into the pond.

The amphibious excavator is too large to move to the recovery site on its trailer, so has to move the final several kilometers on its own.

The amphibious excavator has arrived at the site and begins work.

Rescue workers request 30 additional tons of gravel to assist in berming efforts and stabilizing the heavy equipment platforms around the water.

The U.S. Ambassador to Lithuanian and Lithuanian Minister and Chief of Defense visit Camp Herkus to express their appreciation for the relentless effort of the hundreds of Lituhanian and U.S. rescue workers striving to find our Soldiers.

Digging continues - the mud is extremely deep and still entirely covering the M88. Lithuanian recovery teams have used a metal detector to mark the location of the M88.

Lituanian rescue workers begin planning a dam they have previously used during bridge construction to stop the mud from continuing to flow back into the pond.

Rescue workers request additional sand, as what is on hand is not enough for construction of the proposed dam.

Rescue workers request a slurry pump frequently used in mining that will allow removal of both mud and water.