I Marine Expeditionary Force identified the Marine who was lost at sea off the coast of Southern California during training operations.

Lance Cpl. Armando Ortiz Canseco, 21, of Minnesota, was declared deceased on June 27, 2026. He was reported missing from amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23) on the morning of June 25, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation.

“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,” said Col. Richard Alvarez, the commanding officer of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “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.”

The declaration followed the conclusion of active search and rescue operations on June 26, at which point efforts transitioned to recovery operations.

“The loss of Lance Cpl. Ortiz Canseco is felt deeply across our entire Navy-Marine Corps team,” said Capt. Gary A. Harrington, the commodore of Amphibious Squadron 7. “The amphibious Navy exists to fight alongside the Marine Corps, and a loss to the Marine Corps family is a loss to our own. We are a resilient force, and we continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in support of Lance Cpl. Ortiz Canseco’s loved ones and our ongoing recovery operations.”

Lance Cpl. Ortiz Canseco enlisted in the Marine Corps Apr. 3, 2023, when he reported for training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. On June 30, 2023, he earned the title of U.S. Marine with Platoon 3210, India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion. Following recruit training, he attended the School of Infantry - West and completed the Infantry Marine Course, becoming a 0311 Rifleman. He was subsequently assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, at Camp Pendleton, California, before transferring to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment. Most recently, he was temporarily assigned aboard Anchorage in preparation for integrated training between the 13th MEU and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group.

Lance Cpl. Ortiz Canseco’s individual awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation. An official photo of Lance Cpl. Ortiz Canseco is available upon request.

Media inquiries may be directed to I MEF Communication Strategy and Operations at imef_commstrat@usmc.mil.

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