U.S. military officials have confirmed the death of Lance Cpl. Armando Ortiz Canseco, a Marine stationed in Southern California who went missing off the coast of San Diego last week. Lance Cpl. Ortiz Canseco was declared deceased on Saturday, and it is believed he was lost at sea following a training exercise.
Lance Cpl. Ortiz Canseco was reported missing from the amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage early Thursday morning. His disappearance triggered an extensive search and rescue operation that commenced around 1:20 a.m. Thursday. The search effort encompassed approximately 2,400 square miles and involved personnel from the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force, utilizing three surface ships and 12 aircraft.
The Marine went missing while participating in a training operation involving the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group. After nearly two days of searching, the Navy transitioned its efforts to recovery operations.
“On behalf of the Marines and sailors of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Lance Cpl. Ortiz Canseco,” stated Col. Richard Alvarez, commanding officer of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “He earned the title of United States Marine and served his country with honor and commitment. We mourn alongside his family, and we remain committed to bringing him home.”
Lance Cpl. Ortiz Canseco enlisted in the Marine Corps in April 2023 and completed his training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. His service awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation.
This incident follows a recent case where the U.S. military searched for missing service members. In May, the remains of two Army soldiers who disappeared while off duty from military exercises in Morocco were recovered.
