Navy Continues Search and Recovery Efforts for Missing Marine Off Southern California Coast

The U.S. Navy is conducting search and recovery operations in the waters off the coast of Southern California following the disappearance of a Marine from the USS Anchorage on Thursday. The incident occurred during a training exercise involving the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group. After nearly two days of extensive search efforts, which included the deployment of three surface ships and twelve aircraft covering approximately 2,400 square miles, the Navy has shifted its focus to recovery operations as of Saturday evening.

The identity of the missing Marine has not been released by military officials, adhering to standard protocol that requires notification of next of kin before public disclosure. The USS Anchorage is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship frequently deployed with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group. This group typically includes various naval and marine units designed for rapid response and deployment in maritime environments.

The search area encompasses waters near where the USS Anchorage was conducting its training exercises, though specific details about the location have not been provided to the public. The ongoing efforts highlight the rigorous safety measures and protocols in place within the U.S. military's amphibious operations, as well as the collaborative nature of such missions involving multiple branches of the armed forces.