Search Continues for Missing Marine Corps F-35B

Teams continue to search for the fighter jet using ground and air assets, military officials said Monday.

Monday, September 18, 2023 at 03:47 PM ET

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An F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), conducts expeditionary advanced base operations (EABO) support and short take-off and vertical landings on simulated narrow roads at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. [File photo courtesy: U.S. Marine Corps]

Key Takeaways:

A Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II went missing near Charleston, South Carolina, after its pilot safely ejected on Sunday afternoon.
Military and civilian agencies are actively searching for the advanced fighter jet, focusing on areas north of Joint Base Charleston, including Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion.
The pilot was taken to a local hospital, and the incident has drawn attention and questions from officials like Rep. Nancy Mace regarding the lost aircraft.

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The search for a missing Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II continued Monday afternoon, one day after a pilot ejected from the aircraft during a mishap near Charleston, South Carolina.

The pilot of the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort-based fighter jet ejected safely over North Charleston on Sunday afternoon while flying with another F-35. The pilot was taken to a local hospital, and the second F-35 landed at Joint Base Charleston, The Island News reported.