US Marine missing off Southern California coast after training exercise; search shifts to recovery

A U.S. Marine serving aboard the USS Anchorage went missing during a training exercise off the Southern California coast, prompting a massive multi-agency search that has since transitioned to a recovery operation, the Navy said.

According to the Navy, the Makin Island Amphious Ready Group launched the search at about 1:21 a.m. Thursday after the Marine was reported missing during integrated training with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The Navy said the Marine's identity is being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin are notified.

COAST GUARD USING SHIP, HELICOPTER TO SEARCH FOR MISSING CREW MEMBER IN EASTERN PACIFIC OCEAN

A U.S. Marine aboard the USS Anchorage went missing during a training exercise off the Southern California coast, prompting a multi-agency search that has now shifted to a recovery operation. (Lisa Lake/Getty Images)

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all who are affected during this difficult time," the Navy said in a news release on Saturday.

The Navy transitioned from search-and-rescue efforts to a search-and-recovery operation at about 9 p.m. Friday.

Three surface ships and 12 aircraft from four military branches searched for the missing Marine for 43 hours before transitioning to a recovery operation. (Mike Kropf/Getty Images)

The search covered approximately 2,400 square miles over 43 hours and involved three surface ships and 12 aircraft from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Air Force, according to the Navy.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The Navy launched a multi-agency search after a Marine assigned to the USS Anchorage was reported missing during training. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Evan Diaz)

The USS Anchorage is an amphibious transport dock ship assigned to the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Navy for additional information.