Marine Corps calls 911, appeals to public after losing F-35 jet involved in 'mishap'

Members of the Marines Corp reportedly called 911 last September after a malfunctioning F-35 fighter jet disappeared after the pilot ejected.

The plane went missing on September 17 in South Carolina after a “mishap” caused the pilot to eject, according to reports. ABC News.

We are working with @MCASBeaufortSC to locate an F-35 that suffered a mishap this afternoon. The pilot ejected safely. If you have information that could 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

In response, a major at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort called 911.

“I think we potentially have a plane that went down today in Williamsburg County,” said the major.

“Do you think you have a plane that went down in Williamsburg County?” the dispatcher asked.

“That's right,” replied the major. “We're trying to find it and we're coming up dry so far.”

Lost.” The US Air Force continues to search for the remains of the last F-35 stealth fighter

An F-35 disappeared yesterday in South Carolina. Joint Air Force Base Charleston reported that the pilot was OK, but that all traces of the plane had been lost. The reason… pic.twitter.com/ZcGY5264DC

— S Printer (@Sprinter99800) September 18, 2023

In the days immediately following the incident, audio footage was released of another 911 call made by a local resident who said a pilot had indeed landed in his backyard.

“We have a pilot at the house, and I guess he landed in my backyard, and we're trying to see if we can get an ambulance to the house, please,” the homeowner said.

The owner then handed the phone to the pilot, who said he was “okay” but that his back hurt.

When the Marines finally found the jet, it was wrecked.

“Staff from Joint Base Charleston and Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, in close coordination with local authorities, have located a debris field in Williamsburg County,” Joint Base Charleston announced in a statement in Facebook then.

“The incident is currently under investigation and we are unable to provide additional details to preserve the integrity of the investigative process,” the station added.

News of the plane's disappearance sparked anger and frustration among members of Congress, including South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace.

“Our community deserves basic, minimal responses,” he told the Charleston news station WCBD. “Mistakes happen and it's about taking responsibility, ensuring confidence in the process, confidence in the operations, confidence that the community will stay as safe as possible even when a plane is missing.”

It didn't help that it was the third “setback” to occur in a six-week period.

In a Press releasethe Marines said flights would be suspended so additional training could be provided.

“Following three Class A aviation mishaps in the past six weeks, Acting Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric M. Smith, directed all Marine Corps aviation units to conduct operations for two days this week to discuss aviation security issues and best practices,” the press release said.

“During the leave, air commanders will lead discussions with their Marines focusing on the fundamentals of safe flight operations, ground safety, flight maintenance and procedures, and maintaining combat readiness. This recall is being withdrawn to ensure that the service maintains operational standardization of combat-ready aircraft with well-trained pilots and aircrews,” the statement continued.

In response to the news that the Marines had called 911 to report their missing plane, social media users were full of jokes but also criticism.

Look at (*Language notice):

Joe Biden's Air Force. OMG we are a fucking joke

— Eric James (@EricSlentz) January 21, 2024

The USAF should consider putting an Apple Air Tag on every F35, it helps with my baggage.

— Chad ™️ (@traip95) January 21, 2024

That thing is so stealthy that they couldn't even find it, I guess that's kind of good but embarrassing at the same time.

— Ceelos (@Ceelos511) January 21, 2024

The US is a fucking joke right now. I don't know why people keep coming here thinking we are a great country. we suck

— Lil Has X (@MephistoKhan) January 21, 2024

But seriously, let's all act like this is a totally rational decision. Because, you know, when you lose a multi-million dollar military aircraft, the first thing you do is call your local police department. #FighterJetMIA #MarineCorps911Fail #MissilePhoneHome
And we don't…

— Joe (@JoeMaristela) January 20, 2024

Senior Staff Writer
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V. Saxena is a BizPac Review staff writer with a decade of experience as a professional writer and a lifetime of experience as an avid news junkie. He holds a degree in computer technology from Purdue University.

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