Debris field found during search for missing F-35 in South Carolina, officials say

A debris field was discovered in South Carolina during the search for a missing F-35 fighter jet after an “accident” on Sunday, military officials confirmed in a statement Monday evening.

Officials said the debris was discovered in Williamsburg County, about two hours northeast of Joint Base Charleston, which now transfers command to the Marine Corps.

The pilot of the machine had “ejected safely” during the incident, authorities had previously indicated.

A Marine Corps spokesperson said in a statement Sunday “we are currently gathering more information and assessing the situation. The accident will be investigated.”

“We are unable to provide additional details to preserve the integrity of the investigative process,” officials said in a statement Monday.

“We would like to thank all of our mission partners, as well as local, county and state officials, for their dedication and support throughout the search and as we move into the recovery phase,” said the responsible.

Earlier Monday, Acting Commandant of the Marine Corps Eric Smith announced a two-day suspension focused on safety and procedures that will take place this week for all air units, both domestic and foreign. outside the United States, a spokesperson told ABC. News.

Although Smith said he had full confidence in the aviation units, he said he felt it was the “right and prudent” thing to do given both this and another incident recent in Australia.

ABC News’ Ellie Kaufman and Noah Minnie contributed to this report.

Debris field found during search for missing F-35 in South Carolina, officials say, was originally published on abcnews.go.com