Nigerian-Born U.S. Marine Chukwuemeka Oforah Dies After Falling Overboard from USS Iwo Jima
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A 21-year-old Nigerian-born United States Marine, Chukwuemeka E. Oforah, has died after falling into the sea from the USS Iwo Jima, American military authorities have confirmed.
Oforah reportedly went overboard on February 7 while the vessel was at sea. An intensive search and rescue mission was immediately launched, involving naval personnel and aircraft. After approximately 72 hours of coordinated efforts, he was officially pronounced dead on February 10.
The late Marine held the rank of Lance Corporal and was serving as part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit at the time of the incident. In a statement, Colonel Tom Trimble, the commanding officer of the unit, described Oforah’s death as a painful loss to both the Marine Corps and the wider Navy-Marine Corps community. He expressed condolences to the family, noting that the young serviceman’s commitment and contributions would not be forgotten.
Oforah enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in October 2023. He completed recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island in February 2024 before proceeding to advanced infantry training. He later joined the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, where he served as an infantry rifleman.
Prior to his deployment, he underwent further instruction at the School of Infantry in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He was subsequently assigned to Battalion Landing Team 3/6 and deployed aboard the USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship that functions as a mobile base for naval and Marine operations.
The USS Iwo Jima, named in honour of the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima, is designed to support expeditionary missions and carry Marines, aircraft and landing craft. Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding Oforah’s fall, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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