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IPFS News Link • Military

Missing F-35 is found: Debris from $80M stealth fighter jet is recovered...

• By GERMANIA RODRIGUEZ POLEO and PAUL FERRELL

Debris from the F-35 fighter jet missing since its pilot ejected over South Carolina has been found - hours after the military asked the public for help to find it.

Joint Base Charleston had asked the public to call if they have 'any information that may help our recovery teams locate the F-35,' which is worth $80 million.

The pilot ejected and parachuted safely into a residential area in North Charleston around 2pm Sunday.

He was taken to a local hospital, where he was in stable condition, said Maj. Melanie Salinas.

The pilot's name has not been released. On Monday afternoon, the military said debris from the plane had been found. 

'Personnel from Joint Base Charleston and @MCASBeaufortSC, in close coordination with local authorities, have located a debris field in Williamsburg County,' the base wrote on X. 'The debris was discovered two hours northeast of JB Charleston.

'Members of the community should avoid the area as the recovery team secures the debris field. We are transferring incident command to the USMC this evening, as they begin the recovery process.' 

On Monday, Marine Corps Commandant Eric Smith issued a two-day stand-down for all aviation units both inside and outside of the United States that will take place at some point this week. 

No units will be allowed to fly until they have a two-day discussion about safety measures and procedures, according to an email seen by ABC News.


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