Multiple agencies in Southern California are searching for a U.S. Marine who disappeared during a nighttime training exercise aboard the USS Anchorage. The incident occurred off the coast near San Diego on Thursday. Initially a search and rescue operation, the effort has now shifted to recovery operations.
The Marine’s name has not been released, as authorities are prioritizing notification of the family. The search involves a massive area, approximately 2,400 square miles, and is utilizing military ships and aircraft. Personnel from the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force have all been engaged in the effort, deploying three surface ships and 12 aircraft.
The missing Marine was participating in a training exercise with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group. The search is the second significant operation within a short time frame for the U.S. military. Earlier in May, a similar search was conducted after fatal training incidents involving soldiers in Morocco.
Authorities have reported that two Army soldiers who disappeared while off duty during military exercises in Morocco were later found deceased. The Navy, in a statement, expressed their support to the Marine’s family and those affected, offering thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.
Alene Tchekmedyian, an investigative reporter at the Los Angeles Times, has reported on these events. She has a background covering the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department with a focus on accountability and transparency.