A U.S. Marine reported missing during a training mission off the California coast is now presumed dead after military officials transitioned from a search-and-rescue operation to a recovery mission.
The Marine disappeared Thursday while serving aboard the USS Anchorage, triggering a coordinated response involving three surface vessels and 12 aircraft from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force.
On Friday evening, military officials announced that the operation had shifted from rescue to recovery efforts, a procedural change that generally indicates authorities no longer expect to find the missing service member alive.
The U.S. Navy extended its condolences to the Marine’s family and said the individual’s identity will not be released until at least 24 hours after next of kin have been notified, in accordance with military policy.
Large-scale search involved multiple military branches
The search brought together personnel and equipment from several branches of the U.S. military, reflecting the scale of the effort launched after the Marine was reported missing.
Officials have not disclosed the circumstances surrounding the disappearance, and no additional information has been released as the recovery operation continues.
Second major military search in recent weeks
The incident marks the second time in roughly six weeks that the U.S. military has conducted a high-profile search for missing service members.
In May, military officials recovered the remains of the second of two U.S. Army soldiers who disappeared during training exercises in Morocco, concluding a multinational search operation that involved air, naval and intelligence assets.
Authorities have not provided further updates on the case.
