U.S. military searching for Marine missing off San Diego coast
Authorities are searching for a U.S. Marine who disappeared during a training exercise off the coast of Southern California.
Search and rescue efforts began around 1:20 a.m. Thursday, and after almost two full days, the Navy moved into rescue operations.
The search covered an area of approximately 2,400 square miles and involved officials from the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force using three surface ships and 12 aircraft.
The sailor was serving aboard the transport ship USS Anchorage and was lost during a training operation involving the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group.
The search marks the second time in recent weeks that the US military has searched for missing soldiers. The Associated Press reported in May that the remains of two Army soldiers who disappeared while off-duty during military exercises in Morocco were found.
Authorities did not identify the missing Marine on Thursday or explain the circumstances surrounding his disappearance; He said the name will be kept secret until the family is notified.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and everyone affected during this difficult time,” the Navy said in a press release.
