SAN DIEGO — A Camp Pendleton Marine who disappeared during training off the Southern California coast has been declared dead following a multi-agency search spanning more than 2,400 square miles, military officials announced this week.
Lance Cpl. Armando Ortiz Canseco, 21, of Minnesota, went missing early on the morning of June 25 while serving aboard the San Diego-based amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage during integrated training between the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group.
The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group launched a search-and-rescue operation at 1:21 a.m. Thursday, after Ortiz Canseco was reported missing. The Navy transitioned to search-and-recovery operations at 9 p.m. Friday, indicating rescuers no longer believed he would be found alive.
The search involved personnel and assets from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force. Crews searched approximately 2,400 square miles over 43 hours using three surface ships and 12 aircraft.
“On behalf of the Marines and sailors of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Lance Cpl. Ortiz Canseco,” Col. Richard Alvarez, commanding officer of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, said in a statement. “He earned the title of United States Marine and served his country with honor and commitment.”
Ortiz Canseco enlisted in the Marine Corps on April 3, 2023. He was initially assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton before transferring to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment.
Military officials said the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all who are affected during this difficult time,” the Navy said in a statement.
