A US Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II fighter jet crashed in South Carolina on Friday, just outside Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, according to ABC News and other media outlets, citing military officials.
The pilot of the plane safely ejected, but was being evaluated for injuries, according to Capt. Bob Bromage, spokesperson for the sheriff’s office.
The plane crash was reported near Clarendon Road and Joe Allen Drive in the Grays Hill area, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.
Military officials confirmed that it was a Marine Corps plane that has crashed, Bromage said.
The crash comes one day after another F-35B conducted the first airstrike for the U.S. aircraft over Afghanistan.
According to the statement of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) announced on 27 September, the Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II conducted its first combat strikes in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan yesterday.
The airstrike in support of ground clearance operations was deemed successful by the ground force commander.
“The F-35B is a significant enhancement in theater amphibious and air warfighting capability, operational flexibility and tactical supremacy,” said Navy Vice Adm. Scott A. Stearney, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. “As part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, this platform supports operations on the ground from international waters, all while enabling maritime superiority that enhances stability and security.”
It also comes the same day that manufacturer Lockheed Martin announced lower prices for the 11th batch of aircraft.
Military plane crash in Beaufort near Joe Allen Drive area. Appears to have crashed on a bluff/island owned by Clarendon Plantations. Not usually many people over there. Praying for the safety of all involved! pic.twitter.com/dM5a8v2lg1
— (@SamRichardsonAM) 28 September 2018