Seoul, South Korea (CNN)Images have emerged of a US Navy F-35C stealth fighter crashing into the South China Sea earlier this week.


An image from social media shows a US Navy F-35C in the South China Sea after attempting to land on the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.

The F-35C, a single-engine stealth fighter and the newest jet in the US Navy fleet, crash-landed on the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson during routine operations on Monday, the Navy said.

The $100 million warplane impacted the flight deck of the 100,000-ton aircraft carrier and then fell into the water as its pilot ejected, Navy officials said. The pilot and six sailors aboard the Vinson were injured.

CNN's Ivan Watson explains US Navy's race to salvage its fighter jet:


A spokesperson for the US Navy's 7th Fleet said Friday that an investigation into the incident is continuing while confirming images that have emerged on social media since the crash are genuine.

"The ship has assessed that the video and photo covered by media today were taken onboard USS Carl Vinson ... during the crash," Cmdr. Hayley Sims, public affairs officer for the 7th Fleet said.

A still photograph shows the stealth fighter floating on the surface of the South China Sea, its cockpit open and ejection seat missing.

A video shows the F-35 on its landing approach to the aircraft carrier but cuts off before the plane impacts the flight deck.

The Navy said earlier this week that the damage to the Vinson was only superficial, and it and the carrier's air wing have resumed normal operations.

An effort to recover the fighter jet from the bottom of the South China Sea had begun, said Lt. Nicholas Lingo, another 7th Fleet spokesperson.

Analysts said raising the aircraft would likely be a complex operation, and one that would be monitored by China, which claims almost all of the 1.3 million-square-mile South China Sea as its territory.

The F-35C contains some of the Navy's most advanced technology, and the analysts said Washington would want to keep it out of Beijing's hands.

However, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday they were aware that a US Navy stealth fighter had crashed in the South China Sea, but "had no interests in their plane."

"We advise [the US] to contribute more to regional peace and stability, rather than flexing force at every turn in [the South China Sea]," China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said.

CNN's Beijing Bureau contributed to this report.

However, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday they were aware that a US Navy stealth fighter had crashed in the South China Sea, but "had no interests in their plane."

"We advise [the US] to contribute more to regional peace and stability, rather than flexing force at every turn in [the South China Sea]," China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said.

ChangetheChange:

So China dey fear and respect US, despite all the mouth and new weapons china has been displaying of recent, they still can't do shit to the plenty United States warships and warplanes scattered all over the south China sea which China has been laying claim to.

Kingpin1000:


Where is the fear in your quote?
This is not 1945, even North Korea can give any God forsaken nation a run for there money.
You listen to too much western propaganda, even US citizens knows they are no longer what they claim they are.
Even the radical Trump knows better.

Kingpin1000:


Where is the fear in your quote?
This is not 1945, even North Korea can give any God forsaken nation a run for there money.
You listen to too much western propaganda, even US citizens knows they are no longer what they claim they are.
Even the radical Trump knows better.

ChangetheChange:

So China dey fear and respect US, despite all the mouth and new weapons china has been displaying of recent, they still can't do shit to the plenty United States warships and warplanes scattered all over the south China sea which China has been laying claim to.

ChangetheChange:

So China dey fear and respect US, despite all the mouth and new weapons china has been displaying of recent, they still can't do shit to the plenty United States warships and warplanes scattered all over the south China sea which China has been laying claim to.

KaluwisxPRO:


It’s not western propaganda, you have to think twice before going against the US. Russia got their own doze of casualty a few weeks ago. Have you read their response to Ukraine recently

BIDEN has made it clear to Russia that Ukraine being a member of NATO is non negotiable. They’ve accept that fact and are now trying to renegotiate a way out via a security deal.

You think having the biggest war chest is by mouth.

Righteousness2:
When I see people Brag and pride on Nomerica, I Laugh because they do not have understanding of the times and Seasons.

Pray and ask the Lord to Show you the state of America in the Spirit realm and you will weep.
America as a Nation is a Walking Corpse.
America as a Nation is like chaff.
The Statue of Liberty that represents America is Collasped already in the Spiritual realm.
Mystery Babylon is Gone!
Americans whose Eyes are opened know this Clearly.

Individuals and a few states that stand Boldly for JESUS Christ, have nothing to Fear. They are Exempted from the Catatrophic Destruction and Disater on America.

Just few days ago, I watched a clip showing recruitment into the US Army, Russian Army, and Chinese Army. They were comparing them.

I almost cried for Nomerica.
Take it to the Bank! Great Babylon is Fallen!
They have reached the point of no return and Terrific and Fearsome Judgment of GOD is sealed on her.

Kingpin1000:
The war never even start sef, America is living on past glory Just like my darling Man utd. Only one match go open their defence.