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US Military Seeks Public Assistance in Locating Missing Fighter Jet
US Military Seeks Public Assistance in Locating Missing Fighter Jet
The US military is enlisting the public’s help in the search for a missing F-35 fighter jet, following the pilot’s emergency ejection from the aircraft.
The fighter jet reportedly disappeared on Sunday afternoon while the pilot was flying over the southern state of South Carolina.
The pilot, whose identity remains undisclosed, successfully ejected and safely parachuted to the ground. Currently, he is reported to be in stable condition at a local hospital, according to BBC reports.
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The plea for assistance was issued by the US military facility, Joint Base Charleston, through its verified X account.
They stated, “We’re working with @MCASBeaufortSC (Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort) to locate an F-35 that was involved in a mishap this afternoon. The pilot ejected safely. If you have any information that may help our recovery teams locate the F-35, please call the Base Defense Operations Center at 843-963-3600.”
Based on the last-known position of the jet, the search efforts are currently concentrated north of JB Charleston, in the vicinity of Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion. The operation is being conducted in collaboration with federal aviation regulators.
The F-35 is known to be one of the largest and most costly weapons programs of its kind worldwide.