US Navy F-35 Fighter Jet Crashes In California, Pilot Ejects Safely

Thursday July 31, 2025
TheNewsDESK |

By Idorenyin UMOREN with Agency reports 

A F-35 fighter jet of the United States, US Navy crashed in central California on Wednesday, July 30, near the Naval Air Station Lemoore, the Navy said in a statement, with the pilot ejecting safely.

“The pilot successfully ejected and is safe. There are no additional affected personnel,” NAS Lemoore said in the statement.

The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. local time near the intersection of Dickinson and Cadillac avenues, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.

The F-35C stealth aircraft, popularly known as Lightning II, belonged to Strike Fighter Squadron VF-125, known as the “Rough Raiders.” VF-125 functions as a Fleet Replacement Squadron responsible for training pilots and aircrew.

Naval Air Station Lemoore is located around 40 miles (64 kilometers) southwest of the city of Fresno in central California.

U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin, the maker of F-35 fighter jets, said: “We are aware of the F-35 incident at Naval Air Station Lemoore. Safety is our priority, and we are standing by to support the United States Navy as needed.”

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.