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U.S. Marine Missing Off Southern California Coast Declared Deceased
SAN DIEGO – Lance Corporal Armando Ortiz Canseco, 21, a U.S. Marine reported missing last week from the USS Anchorage, has been officially declared dead, military officials announced on June 29.
Ortiz Canseco was reported missing on the morning of June 25 while serving aboard the USS Anchorage, an amphibious transport dock ship based at Naval Base San Diego. He was participating in integrated training exercises between the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, according to the I Marine Expeditionary Force.
Following an extensive search and rescue operation, the Marine Air Ground Task Force based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton confirmed on June 27 that Ortiz Canseco was lost at sea and declared deceased. Details surrounding his disappearance have not been disclosed, and the incident remains under investigation.
Colonel Richard Alvarez, commanding officer of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, expressed condolences on behalf of the Marines and Sailors: “He earned the title of United States Marine and served his country with honor and commitment. We mourn alongside his family, and we remain committed to bringing him home.”
About Lance Cpl. Armando Ortiz Canseco
Ortiz Canseco joined the Marine Corps in April 2023 and earned his title as a U.S. Marine in June of the same year.
After completing recruit training and the Infantry Marine Course, he was designated as an 0311 Rifleman. He initially served with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton before transferring to the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment.
Most recently, Ortiz Canseco was temporarily assigned to the USS Anchorage in preparation for joint training exercises. His commendations include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Context: Recent Cases of Missing U.S. Military Personnel
The disappearance of Ortiz Canseco is the latest in a series of recent incidents involving missing U.S. service members. In May, two U.S.
Army soldiers went missing during the African Lion 26 military exercises in Morocco. Despite a large-scale search involving over 1,000 personnel, 1st Lt.
Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., 27, and Specialist Mariyah Symone Collington, 19, were found deceased more than a week later. Reports indicated they fell off a cliff during an off-duty hike near Tan Tan in southwestern Morocco.
These incidents underscore the inherent risks faced by service members both during training and off-duty activities. The military continues to investigate and support the families affected by these losses.
Contributors: Drew Pittock and Kate Perez, USA TODAY