Military Searches for U.S. Marine Missing Off the Coast of California

The U.S. military has launched an extensive search operation after a Marine went missing during a nighttime training exercise off the coast of Southern California, prompting a coordinated response involving the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force.

According to the U.S. Navy, the Marine was reported missing shortly after midnight on Thursday while participating in integrated training aboard the USS Anchorage, an amphibious transport dock assigned to the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The circumstances surrounding the disappearance have not been disclosed, and military officials have not released the Marine’s identity pending notification of next of kin.

The search began immediately after the Marine was reported missing and has involved an extensive deployment of military assets. Officials said crews have searched approximately 2,400 square miles (6,200 square kilometres) of ocean off Southern California.

The operation has included three surface vessels and 12 aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Air Force, all working together to locate the missing service member. Search aircraft have conducted repeated aerial sweeps while naval vessels continue scanning the waters.

After more than a day of intensive searching without success, the Navy announced that the operation transitioned from a search-and-rescue mission to a search-and-recovery effort on Friday evening.

Such a transition generally reflects an assessment that the likelihood of finding the individual alive has significantly diminished, although authorities stressed that recovery operations will continue.

In a statement, the Navy said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all who are affected during this difficult time.”

The missing Marine disappeared from the USS Anchorage, an amphibious transport dock homeported at Naval Base San Diego. The vessel is designed to transport Marines, landing craft, helicopters and equipment during amphibious operations and routinely participates in large-scale training exercises throughout the Pacific.

Military officials have not indicated whether the Marine entered the water accidentally or under other circumstances, saying the incident remains under investigation.

The disappearance marks the second major search involving U.S. military personnel in recent weeks.

In May, the U.S. military conducted a multinational search in Morocco after two U.S. Army soldiers went missing during the African Lion military exercise. Both soldiers were later found dead following an extensive operation involving aircraft, naval vessels and advanced surveillance technology.

Military investigators are expected to examine every aspect of the incident, including the training conditions, safety procedures and timeline leading up to the Marine’s disappearance.

For now, officials remain focused on locating the missing Marine while supporting the individual’s family. The Navy has said additional information will be released as it becomes available and after relatives have been formally notified.