Somali Magazine September 19,2023-The United States has asked the public for help after an F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter went missing over the weekend.
The $80 million F-35B Lightning II aeroplane went missing following a “mishap” Sunday afternoon, according to the military. After apparently putting the jet on autopilot, the pilot safely ejected.
“If you have any information that may help our recovery teams locate the F-35, please call the Base Defence Operations Centre at 843-963-3600,” Joint Base Charleston said on X, the website formerly known as Twitter.
“Based on the jet’s last-known position and in coordination with the FAA, we are focusing our attention north of JB Charleston, around Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion,” the South Carolina-based base stated.
The pilot was transported to a nearby hospital in stable condition.
According to multiple news outlets, the pilot engaged autopilot before ejecting, complicating efforts to recover the aircraft. It is unknown whether the plane has crashed or is still in the air. It is also unknown what motivated the pilot to eject in the first place.
South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace blasted the show on X, asking, “How in the hell do you lose an F-35?”
“How is there not a tracking device, and we’re asking the public to do what, find a jet and turn it in?” she asked. “We knew the F-35 was stealth, but this is ridiculous.”