U.S. Navy officials have transitioned search efforts to recovery operations for a U.S. Marine who went missing during a training exercise off the coast of Southern California, authorities confirmed.
Search and rescue operations commenced around 1:20 a.m. Thursday. After nearly two full days of searching a vast area spanning approximately 2,400 square miles, the Navy shifted its focus to recovery. The extensive search involved personnel from the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force, utilizing three surface ships and twelve aircraft.
The missing Marine was assigned to the transport dock ship USS Anchorage and disappeared during a training operation. This exercise involved the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group. The specific circumstances surrounding the disappearance have not been disclosed, and the identity of the Marine is being withheld pending family notification.
This incident marks the second instance in recent weeks where U.S. military personnel have gone missing. The Associated Press reported that the remains of two Army soldiers who disappeared while off duty from military exercises in Morocco were recovered in May. A Navy spokesperson stated in a release, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all who are affected during this difficult time."
