Marine Missing Off Southern California Coast; Search Transitions to Recovery

A U.S. Marine vanished over the Southern California coast on the night of June 24, 2026, prompting a coordinated search that stretched across 2,400 square miles before shifting to recovery operations. The disappearance occurred while the amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD‑23) was conducting a joint training exercise with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). The Marine’s name has not yet been released.

The USS Anchorage, a San Antonio‑class vessel that serves as one of three ships in the Makin Island ARG, was sailing off the California shoreline when the loss was reported. The ARG, which also includes the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD‑8) and the amphibious transport dock USS John P. Murtha (LPD‑26), was in the midst of a routine training cycle designed to integrate the ARG’s amphibious capabilities with the 13th MEU’s expeditionary operations. The 13th MEU, a Marine Air Ground Task Force of roughly 2,200 personnel based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, had been operating alongside the ARG in the area.

After the Marine was reported missing at 1:21 a.m. on June 25, the Navy launched a search that lasted 43 hours. Three surface ships—two Navy vessels and one Coast Guard cutter—performed a coordinated sweep along the coast and into the open Pacific, while 12 aircraft, including Navy helicopters and Coast Guard fixed‑wing planes, conducted aerial searches and visual sweeps. The Air Force contributed additional aerial assets to support search and rescue coordination. During the operation, the Navy’s press release expressed, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all who are affected during this difficult time.”

On the evening of June 26, the mission transitioned from search to recovery, following standard protocol when a missing person is not located within a specified time frame. Recovery operations focus on locating and retrieving any evidence or remains, and are carried out in close coordination with the Coast Guard’s maritime search and rescue command. The Marine Corps has not yet released the missing Marine’s name, citing privacy and an ongoing investigation. Officials said the name would be announced once the recovery phase concluded and the family was ready to receive the information.

The incident underscores the inherent risks of amphibious training exercises, which involve complex operations in open‑water environments. While the ARG’s missions are designed to maintain readiness for rapid deployment, they also demand rigorous safety protocols. The Navy and Marine Corps are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the disappearance while maintaining the operational tempo of the ARG and the 13th MEU. State and federal agencies are monitoring the situation, and updates will be provided as they become available. The search and recovery effort remains active, with the Coast Guard and Air Force continuing to monitor the area for any additional information.

The outcome of the investigation will be announced once the recovery phase is complete and the family is prepared to receive the information. The incident serves as a reminder of California’s naval forces’ commitment to training excellence and the safety of their personnel.