(NewsNation) — The Marine Corps on Monday ordered a two-day pause in flight operations following a series of “incidents” over the past six weeks, including the ejection of a pilot from a F-35 fighter jet that briefly disappeared.
The resignation will be used to discuss aviation safety and best practices, the Marine Corps said in a statement.
“During the period of suspension of security operations, aviation commanders will conduct discussions with their Marines focusing on the fundamentals of safe aviation operations, ground safety, maintenance and flight procedures, as well as as maintaining combat readiness,” the statement said. “This suspension was taken to ensure that the service maintains operational standardization of combat-ready aircraft with well-prepared pilots and crews.”
The military on Monday asked for the public’s help in locating an F-35 fighter jet that it said was missing after a pilot was ejected from it Sunday afternoon in South Carolina.
Based on the location and trajectory of the missing plane, the search for the F-35 Lightning II jet focused on Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion, said Senior Master Sgt. Heather Stanton at Joint Base Charleston. Both lakes are north of North Charleston.
Debris from the plane was discovered Monday near Williamsburg County near Indiantown, about 85 miles northeast of Charleston, NewsNation affiliate WBTW-TV reported.
The Marine Corps cited the accident as one of three “incidents” in the past six weeks that led to the two-day interruption of operations.
“This pause invests time and energy in strengthening the policies, practices and procedures established by the maritime aviation community in the interest of public safety, protecting our Marines and sailors and ensuring that the Marine Corps remains a ready and highly trained fighting force,” the Marine said. Corp said in the release.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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