Lance Corporal Chukwuemeka Oforah, a 21‑year‑old U.S. Marine of Nigerian descent, has tragically died after falling overboard from the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima during operations in the Caribbean Sea.
Oforah, assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, went overboard on 7 February 2026. Despite a 72‑hour search and rescue operation involving multiple Navy ships, aircraft, and Marine teams, he was declared dead on 10 February 2026.
The incident occurred while the USS Iwo Jima was part of a major U.S. naval deployment in the Caribbean linked to regional security operations. The exact circumstances of how Oforah fell remain under investigation by military authorities.
A statement from Col. Tom Trimble, commanding officer of the 22nd MEU, described Oforah’s death as a “deep loss to the Navy‑Marine Corps team” and praised his dedication and service, noting that his contributions “will not be forgotten.”
Oforah, who enlisted in October 2023, completed recruit training at Parris Island and infantry school at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, before being deployed with the 22nd MEU. His untimely death has sparked condolences from colleagues and the broader U.S. military community, as well as from Nigerians proud of his service.
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