LEMOORE (KMJ/AP) — F-35 flight operations have been temporarily suspended while each plane undergoes an inspection.
The Pentagon’s F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office confirmed to KMJ News that a fuel tube used inside the engine on all F-35 aircraft could be a problem. Each one will need to be checked, before the plane is able to return to flight status. The issue impacts U.S. services and international partners.
The statement confirmed that some F-35s based out of NAS Lemoore have already been inspected and cleared for take off again.
The decision, announced early Thursday, also suspends combat operations by the Marines in Afghanistan, who are currently conducting airstrikes.
The Pentagon’s move comes after an F-35 crashed in South Carolina last month. The entire inspection process is expected to be complete by the weekend.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
