Full Breakdown
Missing U.S. Marine Searched for Off Southern California Coast
6/28/2026, 10:49:21 PM
Marine Missing During Integrated Training Off Southern California
A U.S. Marine serving aboard the amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage was reported missing during an integrated training exercise between the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group on Thursday night off the coast of Southern California. The Marine’s name has not been released pending notification of next-of-kin.
Background & Context
The incident marks the second major U.S. military personnel search in six weeks. In May, the remains of two U.S. Army soldiers missing during exercises in Morocco were recovered after a multinational effort that employed air, naval and artificial-intelligence assets.
Key Figures & Groups
- USS Anchorage – San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, home-ported at Naval Base San Diego.
- Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group – Initiated search at 1:21 a.m. PT.
- 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit – ~2,200 personnel, based at Camp Pendleton.
- U.S. Navy 3rd Fleet – Coordinated the operation.
- U.S. Coast Guard & Air Force – Provided ships and aircraft.
Timeline
- Thursday 1:21 a.m. PT – Search began after Marine reported missing.
- Thursday–Friday (43 h) – Three ships and 12 aircraft covered ~2,400 sq mi.
- Friday ~9 p.m. PT – Shifted to search-and-recovery.
- Saturday–Sunday – Ongoing search; family notified; name withheld.
Data & Statistics
- Search area ~2,400 sq mi (6,200 sq km).
- Assets: 3 ships, 12 aircraft.
- Initial effort 43 h.
Official Statements & Responses
The Navy said its thoughts and prayers are with the Marine’s family and that the mission has shifted to recovery, indicating the service member is presumed dead. It also noted the identity will be withheld until next-of-kin are notified.
Criticism & Opposition
No dissenting viewpoints or criticism were reported in the available sources.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Distance of USS Anchorage from the Marine at the time is undisclosed.
- Identity and circumstances of the disappearance remain unconfirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all who are affected during this difficult time,” — U.S. Navy statement
- “The search and rescue operation involved an integrated response by the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Air Force that spanned approximately 2,400 square miles over the course of 43 hours using three surface ships and 12 aircraft,” — Navy’s Third Fleet
- “The Navy is searching for a Marine who went missing off of the USS Anchorage on Thursday, the service said late Saturday evening.” — Navy announcement, Saturday evening
What’s Next
The multi-service task force will maintain the search-and-recovery effort until the Marine’s status is confirmed, with periodic updates expected from the Navy’s 3rd Fleet.
