A 21-year-old US Marine, Lance Cpl. Chukwuemeka Oforah, has lost his life after falling overboard from the USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean Sea. He was part of Operation Southern Spear, an anti-drug mission targeting drug-trafficking vessels in the region.
Oforah, an infantry rifleman, enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 2023 and was deployed with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. An extensive 72-hour search and rescue operation involving five ships, an inflatable boat, and 10 aircraft from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force was launched after he fell overboard on February 7, but sadly, he was declared dead on February 10.
“We are all grieving alongside the Oforah family,” said Col. Tom Trimble, commanding officer of the 22nd MEU. “The loss of Lance Cpl. Oforah is deeply felt across the entire Navy-Marine Corps team. He will be profoundly missed, and his dedicated service will not be forgotten”.
The circumstances surrounding Oforah’s death are still under investigation.
Stay informed about the latest developments affecting Nigerians in the diaspora!
Follow us for more updates:
facebook.com/TheNidm
www.thenidm.com
#RIPChukwuemekaOforah
