A US Marine Corps soldier, Corporal Chukwuemeka Oforah, 21, was declared dead after falling from the amphibious warship USS Iwo Jima on February 7, following a significant military operation aimed at combating international drug trafficking in the Caribbean. His fall prompted a 72-hour search and rescue operation by military personnel, ultimately confirming his death after exhaustive efforts to locate him in the sea. This incident marks a rare casualty among US forces deployed in the region, as their operations have largely been successful since the mobilization of a substantial naval force initiated in August 2025 by the Trump administration to address drug trafficking issues in the Caribbean. Moreover, the USS Iwo Jima is part of the larger Iwo Jima amphibious readiness group, reflecting the United States' strategic interests in the region amidst ongoing challenges related to drug smuggling and maritime security. There's additional context involving a collision between the USS Truxton and the USNS Supply during a refueling operation on February 11, which further underscores the complexities of US naval operations in this area. The incidents spotlight the operational hazards faced by naval forces, even as they strive to fulfill their missions in the Caribbean effectively and safely.