Lance Cpl. Armando Ortiz Canseco disappeared during training off Southern California.
SAN DIEGO, CA — A 21-year-old U.S. Marine from Minnesota was declared dead after he was reported missing from the USS Anchorage during training off Southern California, Marine Corps officials said.
Lance Cpl. Armando Ortiz Canseco was declared deceased June 27, two days after he was reported missing from the amphibious transport dock ship. His disappearance led to a wide search by the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force before officials shifted the mission from rescue to recovery. The circumstances remain under investigation.
Ortiz Canseco was reported missing from the USS Anchorage on the morning of June 25 while the ship was operating off the Southern California coast. The vessel was taking part in integrated training between the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group. Military officials have not said how Ortiz Canseco went missing or whether anyone saw him enter the water. Col. Richard Alvarez, commanding officer of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, said the unit was grieving with the Marine’s family and loved ones. “He earned the title of United States Marine and served his country with honor and commitment,” Alvarez said. “We mourn alongside his family, and we remain committed to bringing him home.”
The initial search began early June 25 after the Marine was reported missing from the San Diego-based ship. Military officials said crews searched about 2,400 square miles over 43 hours using three surface ships and 12 aircraft. The search involved personnel and equipment from several branches, including the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force. Officials ended active search-and-rescue operations June 26 and moved to recovery operations. Capt. Gary A. Harrington, commodore of Amphibious Squadron 7, said Ortiz Canseco’s loss was felt across the Navy and Marine Corps team. Harrington said the force remained committed to supporting the Marine’s loved ones and continuing recovery work.
Ortiz Canseco enlisted in the Marine Corps on April 3, 2023, when he reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. He earned the title of Marine on June 30, 2023, with Platoon 3210, India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion. After recruit training, he attended the School of Infantry West and completed the Infantry Marine Course, becoming an 0311 rifleman. He was first assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, at Camp Pendleton, then later transferred to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment. Marine officials said he was temporarily assigned aboard the USS Anchorage before the training with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group.
The USS Anchorage, also known as LPD 23, is an amphibious transport dock ship homeported in San Diego. Ships of that type carry Marines, sailors, vehicles, landing craft and aircraft for operations at sea and ashore. The Anchorage was operating with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, a Navy formation built around amphibious ships that deploy with Marine units. The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit is based in Southern California and trains for crisis response, raids, evacuations, maritime operations and other missions. The training underway at the time of Ortiz Canseco’s disappearance was part of the Navy and Marine Corps process for preparing ships and Marines to operate together.
Marine Corps officials said the incident is still being investigated. They have not announced a cause, released a detailed timeline of Ortiz Canseco’s last known movements or said whether weather, shipboard procedures or equipment played a role. No charges or disciplinary actions have been announced. The military’s next steps include recovery operations and the formal review of what happened aboard the ship. Officials also said an official photo of Ortiz Canseco was available through I Marine Expeditionary Force. His listed awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Family members and those who knew Ortiz Canseco described him in public tributes as kind, brave and devoted to service. His death turned a training operation into a loss felt from Camp Pendleton to Minnesota, where he was from. Military leaders used their statements to focus on his service and the impact on his family. Alvarez said the Marines and sailors of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit were extending their deepest condolences. Harrington said a loss to the Marine Corps family was also a loss to the Navy team, adding that sailors and Marines would continue to stand with the family during recovery operations.
As of July 2, recovery operations and the investigation remained the two central pieces of the military response. Officials have not released a date for completion of the inquiry or a final public report.
Author note: Last updated July 2, 2026.