Search Ends: Marine Declared Lost from USS Anchorage

PACIFIC OCEAN — The U.S. Navy officially declared a Marine missing from the USS Anchorage (LPD-23) as lost at sea on Monday, concluding a wide-ranging search and rescue mission that failed to locate the service member. The Marine, whose identity is being withheld pending family notification, was reported missing while the ship was conducting routine training operations in the Pacific region late last week.

Naval authorities confirmed that multiple assets, including aerial surveillance aircraft and surface vessels, combed thousands of square miles of the ocean throughout the weekend. Despite the intensive search, no signs of the service member were recovered, leading military command to shift the mission’s status from active search and rescue to recovery.

Operational Scope and Search Efforts

The search effort was coordinated by the U.S. 3rd Fleet, which oversaw the deployment of specialized search teams and equipment. According to official reports, weather conditions in the sector were monitored continuously, with rescue crews working around the clock to track potential drift patterns in the area.

"The decision to conclude the search was not made lightly," officials stated in an official press release from the U.S. 3rd Fleet. "Our primary focus remains on supporting the family and the ship’s crew during this difficult transition." The USS Anchorage, a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, is expected to continue its planned maritime operations while facilitating the ongoing recovery efforts.

Investigation and Protocol

The U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps have initiated a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Military protocols mandate a thorough administrative and safety review whenever a service member is lost or goes missing during active-duty training. This investigation aims to determine the sequence of events and ensure that all safety procedures were followed during the deployment.

This tragedy has prompted a period of mourning across the amphibious ready group. Chaplain services and grief counseling have been provided to the crew of the USS Anchorage to assist with the emotional impact of the loss. The Department of Defense has emphasized that it will provide further details on the incident only after the initial investigation reaches a conclusive stage and family notifications are fully processed.

Why It Matters

The declaration of the Marine as lost at sea brings a tragic end to an intense search operation and highlights the inherent risks associated with naval training exercises in open waters. For the military, such incidents prompt critical reviews of safety protocols and communication chains during maritime operations. For the families of service members, it serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers faced by personnel during overseas deployments and routine training missions.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Incident: A Marine was reported missing during training exercises aboard the USS Anchorage (LPD-23).

• Mission Status: Search and rescue efforts concluded; transitioned to a recovery operation.

• Search Scope: Thousands of square miles of the Pacific Ocean were surveyed by aerial and surface assets.

• Investigation: An active military investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident.

FAQ

Why did the U.S. Navy stop the search for the missing Marine? The Navy suspended the active search after exhaustive efforts, determining that the probability of locating the service member alive had diminished, given the time elapsed and the vastness of the search area.

What happens during a recovery operation? In military terms, a recovery operation shifts the focus from finding a live survivor to locating the individual's remains and conducting the necessary administrative and forensic procedures to bring them home.

Is there an investigation into what occurred aboard the USS Anchorage? Yes, a formal military investigation is currently underway. This is standard procedure to understand the factors involved in the loss and to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Source: U.S. 3rd Fleet, USNI News, U.S. Marine Corps