US Military seeks public assistance in locating missing F-35 after incident.
U.S. Military Searches for Missing F-35 Stealth Fighter in South Carolina
U.S. military officials are on a mission to find a missing Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter in South Carolina, and they’re enlisting the public’s help.
Joint Base Charleston, an air base in North Charleston, South Carolina, announced on social media on Sept. 17 that they were trying to locate an F-35 that was involved in an incident that day. The pilot managed to eject safely and was taken to a local medical facility in stable condition.
The base is now urging the public to cooperate with military and civilian authorities as the search continues. If anyone has any information about the missing F-35, they are encouraged to call the Base Defense Operations Center at 843-963-3600.
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According to a spokesperson for the base, Jeremy Huggins, the jet was left in autopilot mode, leaving the possibility that the F-35 is still airborne.
“I don’t know if the search parameters have shifted,” Mr. Huggins told 19FortyFive, a military and defense news website.
The search for the F-35 is focused on Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion, as indicated by the missing plane’s location and trajectory, according to Senior Master Sgt. Heather Stanton at Joint Base Charleston.
A South Carolina Law Enforcement Division helicopter has joined the search after the weather cleared in the area, said Master Sgt. Stanton. Military officials have appealed for assistance from the public in locating the aircraft.
Authorities are still investigating the reason behind the pilot’s ejection.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), whose congressional district includes Charleston and surrounding areas, expressed her frustration on X, formerly known as Twitter: “How in the [expletive] do you lose an F-35? How is there not a tracking device and we’re asking the public to what, find a jet and turn it in?”
No further details about the incident have been provided by the base.
Other Incidents
Over the years, Lockheed Martin has produced more than 1,000 F-35s, which are known for their exceptional stealth capabilities. The cost of each F-35 unit averages around $75 million, according to Air and Space Forces Magazine.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported in 2021 that the F-35 program is the Department of Defense’s most expensive weapon system program to date, with an estimated cost of about $1.7 trillion for the aircraft and all its systems.
“This program is weighing options to upgrade its engine and cooling system. But it hasn’t taken some important steps, such as fully assessing the costs and technical risks of the different options. DOD also doesn’t plan to manage the upgrades as a separate acquisition program. This would limit Congress’s insight into possible future cost increases,” the GAO stated in the report.
The F-35 program is approximately 10 years behind schedule and roughly $183 billion over the original cost estimates, according to the GAO. Recommendations have been made on how to handle the costs.
In 2018, an F-35B crashed in Beaufort County, South Carolina, due to a manufacturing defect in the engine fuel tube. This was the first crash in nearly two decades of the program’s history.
Two years later, a Marines F-35B crashed in California after colliding with a K-130 plane during an air-to-air refueling operation. The pilot of that plane also ejected safely.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
3) What enhanced security protocols and measures should be implemented to prevent incidents like the disappearance of the F-35 in the future
He Epoch Times, with the incident and the search for the missing fighter jet. She called for a thorough investigation and emphasized the importance of safety and security protocols.
This incident comes as a blow to the U.S. military, as the F-35B Lightning II is a state-of-the-art stealth fighter that plays a vital role in national defense. The F-35 program has been plagued with development and technical issues, but it still remains a crucial asset for the U.S. military.
The search for the missing F-35 highlights the need for improved security measures and protocols for military aircraft. It raises questions about how an advanced fighter jet like the F-35 can go missing and whether there are vulnerabilities in the system that need to be addressed.
It is not uncommon for military aircraft to go missing or face accidents during training exercises or missions. However, the loss of a high-profile fighter like the F-35 raises concerns about the potential risks and consequences.
As the search continues, it is important for the U.S. military to gather all available resources, including the expertise of local law enforcement and the cooperation of the public. The successful recovery of the missing F-35 will require a comprehensive and coordinated effort.
The incident also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel who put their lives on the line to protect the nation. The pilot’s safe ejection and rescue are a testament to the training and skill of the men and women in uniform.
In conclusion, the search for the missing F-35 stealth fighter in South Carolina is a matter of utmost importance for the U.S. military. The incident highlights the need for enhanced security protocols and raises questions about the vulnerabilities in the system. The successful recovery of the fighter jet will require a joint effort from military and civilian authorities, as well as the cooperation of the public. It is crucial that the U.S. military learns from this incident and takes necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of its aircraft in the future.
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