Search-and-rescue operations for a missing U.S. Marine off the Philippine coast have covered more than 6,700 square nautical miles over the course of two days since the Marine was reported missing.
The Marine was part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit on the USS Essex, an amphibious assault ship. He was reported missing at 9:40 a.m. local time on Thursday following “routine operations” in the Sulu Sea,” according to a statement.
UPDATE
Over the past two days we have covered more than 6,700 square nautical miles of water using every available asset. All efforts are committed to searching for our missing Marine.
B-roll: https://t.co/2AKJQ0pIgz@USMC @1stMEF @PacificMarines @USPacificFleet pic.twitter.com/v4lUZ3Rk75— The Fighting 13th (@Official13thMEU) August 11, 2018
Navy, Marine Corps and Philippine ships and aircraft have been involved in the search and rescue operations.
“As we continue our search operation, we ask that you keep our Marine and the Marine’s family in your thoughts and prayers,” Col. Chandler Nelms, commanding officer of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, said in a statement on Friday. “We remain committed to searching for and finding our Marine.”
The identity of the marine is not being disclosed as operations continue; however, the family of the Marine has been contacted.
