Ruins No. 2 U.S. Army The Army said on Wednesday, May 13, that a soldier missing during a military exercise in Morocco had been found. The multinational search operation, which deployed air, naval and artificial intelligence assets, is finally over.
The soldier has been identified as a Special Forces soldier. Mariyah Symone Collington, 19, of Tavares; FloridaU.S. Forces Europe and Africa said in a statement. The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces used a Moroccan helicopter to transport Clinton’s body to the morgue at the Moulay Hassan Military Hospital in Guelmin, Morocco.
Learn more | Who is Lieutenant Kendrick Lamont Key? Remains of US soldier who fell off cliff in Morocco were found in the sea
U.S. Africa Command confirmed the news, writing on
Who is Maria Simon Clinton?
Here are five things you need to know about Maria Simon Clinton:
- U.S. Army Europe and Africa said Clinton served as an air and missile defense aircrew member assigned to Battery Charlie, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command.
- Clinton will join the Regular Army Delayed Enlistment Program in 2023 and begin active duty in 2024.
- According to NBC News, Clinton completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training as a member of the 14P Air and Missile Defense aircrew at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
- Clinton reported to Battery Charlie, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment in Ansbach, Germany, in February 2025 and was subsequently promoted to specialist on May 1, 2026.
- Clinton’s awards and decorations include the Army Service Ribbon.
“The loss of the USS Clinton is a significant loss for the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command,” said Brig. Gen. Gen. Curtis King is commander of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, according to U.S. Army Europe and Africa. “Her recovery ends the search for the 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.”
Clinton’s remains were discovered days after the remains of another soldier, 14A Air Defense Artillery officer Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key, were found. Two soldiers fell off a cliff while on an off-duty recreational hike in Morocco.
They were reported missing on May 2 after participating in the annual multinational military exercise “African Lion” in Morocco. This prompted more than 1,000 U.S. and Moroccan military and civilian personnel to launch a search and rescue operation, a spokesman for the U.S. Army Task Force Southern Europe told The Associated Press.
