Debris Field Found in South Carolina Following F-35 Jet Disappearance
A debris field has been discovered in Williamsburg County, South Carolina, in connection with the investigation into the disappearance of an F-35 stealth fighter jet. The jet, a Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, belonged to the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and went missing on Sunday after the pilot ejected due to a "mishap."
Joint Base Charleston, which initially led the investigation, informed Fox News Digital about the discovery of the debris field but did not confirm that the debris was from the missing aircraft. The pilot, who ejected safely, was treated at a local medical center.
Following the discovery, Joint Base Charleston announced that command of the incident is being transferred to the United States Marine Corps. A spokesperson urged community members to avoid the area while the recovery team secures the debris field. "The mishap is currently under investigation, and we are unable to provide additional details to preserve the integrity of the investigative process," the spokesperson added.
The incident comes amid growing concerns about aviation safety within the Marine Corps. Earlier on Monday, the branch announced a two-day pause in operations to focus on "aviation safety matters and best practices." The decision was prompted by three Class-A aviation "mishaps" that occurred over the past six weeks. During the pause, Marines will concentrate on various safety measures, including proper flight procedures, ground safety, maintenance, and combat readiness.
In a press release, the Marine Corps emphasized the importance of the pause: "This stand down [is] being taken to ensure the service is maintaining operational standardization of combat-ready aircraft with well-prepared pilots and crews." The release further stated that the pause aims to reinforce established policies, practices, and procedures in the interests of public safety and the protection of Marines and sailors.
The discovery of the debris field adds a new layer of urgency to the ongoing concerns about aviation safety within the military. As the Marine Corps takes over the investigation, questions remain about the circumstances leading to the F-35's disappearance and what it means for the future of military aviation safety.
