Military locates 'debris field' in search for missing F-35 fighter jet

Military officials have identified a debris field in South Carolina during their search for an F-35 that went missing on Sunday.

"Personnel from Joint Base Charleston and [Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort], in close coordination with local authorities, have located a debris field in Williamsburg County. The debris was discovered two hours northeast of JB Charleston," read a statement from Joint Base Charleston.

"Teams from JB Charleston, [Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort], the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing out of MCAS Cherry Point, Navy Region Southeast, the FAA, the Civil Air Patrol, as well as local, county, and state law enforcement across South Carolina have been working together to locate the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B," it continued. 

The statement further advised community members to steer clear of the debris field while the recovery team was on the premises.

The fighter's disappearance on Sunday prompted mocking reactions and expressions of incredulity that the U.S. military could somehow lose track of such a sophisticated and expensive piece of military hardware.

"How in the hell do you lose an F-35? How is there not a tracking device and we’re asking the public to what, find a jet and turn it in?" asked GOP South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.