Missing Marines Located

The Marine AAV-7 that sank off the coast of California has been located.

Officials with the @15thMEUOfficial and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) positively identified on Aug. 3 the location of the amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) that sunk off the coast of San Clemente Island on July 30.

— I MEF (@1stMEF) August 4, 2020

The amtrac started taking on water during a ship to shore exercise on 30 July. It was located in 385 feet of water off San Clemente Island. The Navy Under Sea Rescue Command located the amtrac and confirmed the presence of human remains.

"Undersea Rescue Command is humbled to have worked alongside the Navy, USMC, and Coast Guard to locate our Marine Corps and Navy brethren," said Cmdr Josh Powers, CO of URC. "Our sincerest prayers and sympathies remain with their families, friends and fellow Marines and Sailors."

— I MEF (@1stMEF) August 4, 2020

The Navy is working to recover the remains of those on board as well as the vehicle.

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The servicemen were identified as:

• Lance Cpl. Guillermo S. Perez, 20, of New Braunfels, Texas.
• Pfc. Bryan J. Baltierra, 19, of Corona, California.
• Lance Cpl. Marco A. Barranco, 21, of Montebello, California.
• Pfc. Evan A. Bath, 19, of Oak Creek, Wisconsin.
• U.S. Navy Hospitalman Christopher Gnem, 22, of Stockton, California.
• Pfc. Jack Ryan Ostrovsky, 21, of Bend, Oregon.
• Cpl. Wesley A. Rodd, 23, of Harris, Texas.
• Lance Cpl. Chase D. Sweetwood, 19, of Portland, Oregon.
• Cpl. Cesar A. Villanueva, 21, of Riverside, California.

They were all based at Camp Pendleton.

The cause of the sinking is still under investigation.