Search for missing Airman suspended

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – A search-and-rescue in the Arabian Gulf was suspended Thursday for a Marine presumed lost at sea after jumping from an MV-22 Osprey aircraft when it temporarily lost power after taking off from the San Diego-based amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island.

The enlisted Marine was one of two crew members who bailed out when the hybrid airplane-helicopter lost power shortly after taking off Wednesday, according to Navy officials.

Military officials were withholding the name of the missing Marine.

The other Marine, whose name was withheld, was rescued.

The pilot was able to regain control of the Osprey and land safely, according to the Navy. Why the aircraft, which can land and takeoff vertically, lost power was under investigation.

The Makin Island left San Diego July 25 with elements of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard to support operations in Iraq, Syria and throughout the region.