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The United States military has been ridiculed after asking for the public’s help in searching for an F-35B stealth fighter jet that disappeared in a crash in South Carolina. Photo/REUTERS
CHARLESTON – The United States (US) military was ridiculed after asking for the public’s help in searching for the F-35B stealth fighter jet that was lost in an accident.
The advanced fighter jet belonging to the US Marine Corps went missing somewhere in South Carolina after a crash during a training flight on Sunday.
The aircraft encountered unknown problems near Joint Base Charleston and the pilot ejected.
“The public is asked to cooperate with military and civilian authorities as these efforts continue,” read a request for assistance issued by Joint Base Charleston on social media.
Search efforts focused around Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion, between Charleston and Columbia, based on the F-35’s last known position.
The pilot, whose name was not released, was reported to have returned safely to Joint Base Charleston, but the fighter jet, which is priced at $80 million to $135.8 million, has not been found.
“If you have information that can help our recovery team locate the F-35, please contact the Base Defense Operations Center,” continued Joint Base Charleston.
The US military’s efforts to ask for help from the public have drawn ridicule.
“How could you lose an F-35?” wrote Nancy Mace, a Republican lawmaker who represents one of South Carolina’s districts, on social media X.
