Jonathan Currier, a 21-year-old U.S. Marine, was reported missing on August 9, 2018, while aboard the USS *Essex* during its deployment near the Philippines in the Sulu Sea. Currier, a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter crew chief with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, was declared missing after failing to report for duty. Despite an extensive search effort covering over 13,000 square nautical miles and involving the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Philippine vessels, he was not found.
The search lasted for five days before being called off on August 13, and Currier was subsequently declared deceased.
Currier had enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2015 and was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California. He had completed various military training programs and was deployed with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166 aboard the *Essex*. The cause and circumstances of his fall overboard remain under investigation. His loss was deeply felt by the Marine Corps and the Amphibious Ready Group, and his family continues to be supported by the military community.Last Seen: Aug 9, 2018
