RIGA, Latvia — Warrant Officer George Hohl, a 20-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, was found dead on Friday after disappearing earlier this week near the Ādaži military base in Latvia. Hohl had been serving with NATO’s Multinational Brigade as part of Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s mission to support Eastern European security.
Who was George Hohl?
Hohl, 20, was a Vehicle Technician from 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron based in Edmonton, Alberta. He had served multiple tours on Operation REASSURANCE, as well as domestic disaster relief operations. Hohl was deployed with the Aviation Battalion under NATO’s Multinational Brigade-Latvia when he went missing on Tuesday.
Investigation underway
Canadian Forces Military Police are assisting Latvian authorities in investigating the circumstances surrounding Hohl’s death. Officials emphasized that there is no indication the incident poses a threat to other deployed Canadian personnel.
Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan described Hohl’s death as a devastating loss, highlighting his decades of dedicated service.
Operation REASSURANCE
Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s contribution to NATO’s enhanced forward presence in Eastern Europe, was launched after Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. The mission currently involves approximately 2,200 Canadian personnel rotating through the Baltic states, including Latvia, to strengthen regional security and deter potential aggression.
Hohl’s death marks a somber moment for the Canadian Armed Forces, which confirmed his body was found on Friday. Authorities have not disclosed the cause of death, and the investigation is ongoing.
