Search and Recovery Underway for Missing Marine Off Southern California Coast
SAN DIEGO — A search and recovery operation is currently in progress following the disappearance of a U.S. Marine off the Southern California coast, officials confirmed Thursday.
According to a U.S. Navy news release cited by local outlets ABC 10News San Diego and NBC 7 San Diego, search efforts began around 1:21 a.m. local time on June 25 after the Marine was reported missing. The service member was aboard the USS Anchorage as part of integrated training between the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group.
The multi-agency response has covered roughly 2,400 square miles over about 43 hours, involving three ships and 12 aircraft. Agencies participating include the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force.
At approximately 9 p.m. local time on June 26, the operation shifted from search and rescue to a search and recovery mission, according to reports. Military officials have not disclosed additional details about the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.
In accordance with Navy policy, the Marine’s name has not been released until at least 24 hours after next-of-kin notification.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all who are affected during this difficult time,” the Navy said in the release.
The USS Anchorage, an amphibious transport dock ship, is homeported at Naval Base San Diego. The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit is based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in north San Diego County.
This incident is the latest in a series of recent military search operations for missing service members. In May, two U.S. Army soldiers went missing in Morocco after participating in the African Lion 26 exercises. Their bodies were recovered more than a week later; officials said they fell off a cliff during an off-duty hike. More than 1,000 U.S. and Moroccan personnel joined the search.
Contributing: Drew Pittock and Kate Perez, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY.