A missing U.S. Marine Corps F-35 fighter jet has prompted a plea for assistance in locating the aircraft from Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina.
The base said on social media Sunday evening that they needed urgent assistance in locating the F-35B Lightning II after it was involved in a “mishap” in the afternoon and the pilot ejected safely.
“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,” Joint Base Charleston said in a post to its X account.
The F-35B Lightning II is part of the Marine Attack Training Squadron (MATS) and was put on autopilot before the pilot ejected, according to a spokesperson for the base. The pilot was transported to a local hospital, reported to be in stable condition and his wingman safely landed at the base.
Joint Base Charleston asked the public to focus their attention on the Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion regions and provided guidance on how to report any information on the missing aircraft.
We’re working with @MCASBeaufortSC 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.
— Joint Base Charleston (@TeamCharleston) September 17, 2023
“If you’re in Beaufort or Colleton County, South Carolina, and have heard or seen anything suspicious, please call the \Base Defense Operations Center at 843-963-3600,” Joint Base Charleston said in its original post.
The plea has generated plenty of chatter on social media, with some using it as an opportunity to take shots at the Biden administration and others questioning how an $80 million aircraft can go missing without a tracking device.
“How in the hell 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?” asked Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) in a post to X.
“Joe Biden’s Pentagon can’t find a freaking F-35 jet, but don’t worry — they know exactly where all our money in Ukraine is going,” said The Federalist’s Sean Davis.
As of press time, several hours later, there were no further updates on where the F-35 might be located.
For those looking to help in finding the missing aircraft, Joint Base Charleston continues to ask the public to call the Base Defense Operations Center at 843-963-3600.
