Share and Follow
A tragic incident occurred when 21-year-old Marine Lance Cpl. Chukwuemeka E. Oforah from Florida was reported dead after falling overboard from the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). The unfortunate event took place in the Caribbean Sea on the evening of February 7, leading to an exhaustive search-and-rescue mission that lasted 72 hours, as detailed in a statement by the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.
The announcement of Oforah’s death came on February 12 from the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). The coordinated search operation was extensive, covering a vast expanse of the Caribbean Sea and involving five U.S. Navy ships along with 10 aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.