Marine Lost at Sea After Fall from USS Iwo Jima
A U.S. Marine assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit has been declared lost at sea after reportedly falling overboard from the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima during operations in the Mediterranean Sea. The announcement was confirmed by U.S. Navy officials following an exhaustive search-and-rescue operation that failed to locate the missing service member.
The incident occurred on February 9, prompting a coordinated effort involving U.S. Navy and NATO allied assets to recover the Marine. Despite multi-day operations, which included aerial searches and shipboard sweeps, no trace of the individual has been found. The name of the Marine has not yet been released pending family notification.
According to the original report titled “Marine declared lost at sea after falling overboard from the USS Iwo Jima,” published by Military Times, the Navy and Marine Corps launched an immediate response after the Marine was reported overboard while the Iwo Jima was operating in the eastern Mediterranean. The Iwo Jima, serving as the flagship of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is currently deployed as part of increased U.S. force posture in the region amid heightened tensions and ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In a statement, Capt. Marc Davis, the commanding officer of USS Iwo Jima, expressed sorrow over the loss, noting that the Marine was a valued member of the unit and that the command’s thoughts are with the Marine’s family, friends, and fellow service members. The U.S. 6th Fleet, which oversees naval operations in Europe and Africa, also acknowledged the incident and stated that standard procedures for man-overboard events were followed to the fullest operational extent.
The Eastern Mediterranean region has seen a significant buildup of U.S. naval presence in recent months. The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, alongside the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, has been stationed in the area as a contingency force amid ongoing instability in the region, particularly in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict and regional security concerns.
This tragedy marks a sobering reminder of the inherent dangers faced by military personnel serving aboard ships at sea. Although rare, man-overboard incidents underscore the unpredictable and hazardous nature of naval operations, even during routine missions.
The Navy has stated that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway. The Marine’s disappearance will be officially reviewed in accordance with military protocol to determine if further safety procedures may need to be altered or reinforced ship-wide.
This event has also prompted waves of support from service members and veterans across the armed forces community, many of whom have taken to expressing solidarity with the Marine’s unit and family. The Marine Corps has reiterated its commitment to supporting those affected by the loss, offering counseling services and chaplain support aboard the Iwo Jima and at stateside installations.
As the Navy concludes its search efforts, the loss resonates deeply within the close-knit ranks of the amphibious force, where life aboard ship often forges bonds that run deep. The absence of one Marine is felt by many, and the service continues to honor that sacrifice as it seeks to provide answers and accountability.
