Following three Class-A aviation mishaps over the last six weeks, Acting Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric M. Smith, directed all Marine Corps aviation units to conduct a two-day stand down in operations this week to discuss aviation safety matters and best practices. 

During the 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.  This stand down is being taken to ensure the service is maintaining operational standardization of combat-ready aircraft with well-prepared pilots and crews.  

This stand down invests time and energy in reinforcing the Marine aviation community’s established policies, practices and procedures and ensures Marine Corps remains a ready and highly-trained fighting force.

For media queries on the recent F-35B mishap, contact 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Communication Strategy and Operations at 2ndmawcommstrat@usmc.mil.

For updates on the ongoing search and recovery operations for the F-35B, contact Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs at 843-963-5608 or https://www.jbcharleston.jb.mil/Contact-Us/.

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