A 21-year-old U.S. Marine based in San Diego has been confirmed dead after going missing during a training exercise off the Southern California coast, authorities have reported.
Lance Corporal Armando Ortiz Canseco, originally from Minnesota, was declared dead on June 27, 2026. Canseco disappeared from the amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage in the early hours of June 25, prompting a large search and rescue operation that included the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force. Despite their efforts, he was never located.
The search covered approximately 2,400 square miles, utilizing three surface ships and twelve aircraft.
The rescue mission transitioned to a recovery effort on June 26. Canseco was officially identified following the declaration of his death on June 27.
Col. Richard Alvarez, the commander of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, extended condolences to Canseco’s family, noting, “He earned the title of United States Marine and served his country with honor and dedication. We grieve with his family and are committed to bringing him home.”
Brigadier General Gary A. Harrington remarked on the profound impact of Canseco’s loss, stating that it was felt deeply across the entire Navy-Marine Corps team. He expressed that the Amphibious Navy’s mission involves partnering closely with the Marine Corps, making the loss particularly significant.
Canseco enlisted in the Marine Corps in April 2023, underwent training as a rifleman, and was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines at Camp Pendleton. He had received several military honors, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the Marine Corps Deployment Ribbon.
During a wake held for him at Oak Grove Lutheran Church in Litchfield, family and friends gathered to pray for a miracle, hoping for some positive news. The exact circumstances of his death remain under investigation, with officials remaining tight-lipped about the details.
