Authorities are searching for a U.S. Marine who went missing during a training exercise off the coast of Southern California.
Search and rescue efforts began around 1:20 a.m. Thursday, and after nearly two full days, the Navy transitioned to recovery operations.
The search spanned approximately 2,400 square miles and involved Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force officials using three surface ships and 12 aircraft.
The Marine was serving on the transport ship USS Anchorage and went missing during a training operation involving the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Makin Island Amphibious Readiness Group.
The search marks the second time in recent weeks that the US military has searched for missing service members. The Associated Press reported that the remains of two army soldiers who disappeared while off duty from military exercises in Morocco were recovered in May.
Officials did not identify the Marine who went missing Thursday or reveal the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, and said his name will be withheld 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 news release.
