Military officials are searching a vast swath of ocean for a U.S. Marine who went missing last week from a San Diego-based amphibious transport dock ship during naval training off the Southern California coast, a Navy spokesperson said.
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The search started just after 1:20 a.m. Thursday when the Marine was reported missing, the Navy said in a news release Saturday evening. The release said several military agencies — Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard — took part in a 43-hour search that spanned about 2,400 miles. The team included three ships and 12 aircraft.
The Navy said search and rescue efforts transitioned to search and recovery operations at 9 p.m. Friday.
The Marine was serving aboard the USS Anchorage during a training operation between the San Diego-based Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
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Military officials did not say why or how the Marine may have gone overboard. The Marine’s name will not be released until 24 hours after family members are notified.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all who are affected during this difficult time,” the Navy said.
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