Marines order 2-day aviation stand down after F-35 goes missing, third mishap in 6 weeks

WASHINGTON — Acting Marines Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith today issued a two-day stand down for all Marine aviation units, following a six week stretch that saw two fatal accidents followed by today’s ongoing search for a missing stealth fighter. 

In a press release, the Marine Corps said that with “three Class-A aviation mishaps over the last six weeks,” Smith “directed all Marine Corps aviation units to conduct a two-day pause in operations this week to discuss aviation safety matters and best practices.

“During the safety stand down, aviation commanders will lead discussions with their Marines focusing on the fundamentals of safe flight operations, ground safety, maintenance and flight procedures, and maintaining combat readiness,” the release continues.

The stand down order, which was first reported by ABC News, didn’t identify the three incidents in question, but it follows two fatal crashes last month — one involving an MV-22 Osprey in Australia that killed three US Marines and injured others, and another that killed an F/A-18 pilot in California — and then the safe ejection Sunday by an F-35 pilot whose plane has yet to be found.

“This pause invests time and energy in reinforcing the Marine aviation community’s established policies, practices and procedures in the interests of public safety, protecting our Marines and sailors, and ensuring the Marine Corps remains a ready and highly-trained fighting force,” the Marines said.

Smith was previously nominated as the next commandant but has served in an acting role since July.