US Marine Corps Halts Aviation Operations and Launches Investigation Following F-35 Fighter Jet Mishaps and Disappearance
The Marine Corps has ordered a two-day operational stand-down after a series of "mishaps" in the past six weeks, including a pilot ejection from an F-35 fighter jet that briefly went missing. The stand-down will be used to reinforce aviation safety and best practices, focusing on safe flight operations, ground safety, maintenance, and combat readiness. The search for the missing F-35 jet is currently focused on lakes in South Carolina, and debris from the jet has been found in a nearby county. The Marine Corps aims to ensure public safety, protect their personnel, and maintain a highly-trained fighting force.