In a disruptive and alarming incident Tuesday morning, a U.S. Navy sailor was arrested at San Diego International Airport after allegedly claiming there was a bomb aboard a commercial airliner preparing for takeoff.
The false bomb threat triggered a large-scale emergency response and caused a five-hour delay for nearly 300 passengers.
According to the Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department, 35-year-old John Stea, an electronics technician assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Group One, is accused of informing a flight attendant that a fellow passenger was carrying explosives.
The incident occurred aboard a Hawaiian Airlines flight bound for Honolulu, Hawaii.
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As the flight prepared to depart, the flight attendant relayed the bomb threat to the captain. Acting swiftly, the captain redirected the aircraft off the runway and parked on the airfield to await security personnel.
“At approximately 8:45 a.m., the Port of San Diego Harbor Police Maritime Tactical Team (MARTAC, also known as SWAT), K-9 Team, and Joint Terrorism Task Force, along with the San Diego Fire Department and multiple federal agencies, responded to the scene to search the aircraft and its contents,” authorities stated.
With 293 passengers aboard, the priority quickly shifted to evacuation and ensuring the safety of everyone on board.
A full bomb sweep was conducted, including K-9 units inspecting all carry-on and checked baggage. No explosives were found, and the plane was cleared for departure after the extensive search.
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The incident led to a significant delay, with the aircraft taking off five hours later than scheduled, according to CBS 8 San Diego.
Stea was initially taken into custody by local law enforcement and later released with a promise to appear in court. However, the Navy subsequently took him into custody pending further investigation.
The seriousness of the accusation has sparked concern both among civilian authorities and within military ranks.
“The safety of the public and our personnel is of utmost importance to the Navy,” said a spokesperson for U.S. 3rd Fleet in an emailed statement. “We take all threats seriously and are cooperating fully with local and federal authorities.”
Stea has been charged with making a false threat, a misdemeanor offense that could lead to a jail sentence of up to one year.
In addition to facing civilian charges, he may also be placed on the federal no-fly list, a measure administered by the Transportation Security Administration designed to prevent potential threats from boarding aircraft.
This incident raises ongoing concerns about the misuse of national security protocols and the impact of false threats on public safety and transportation systems.
While no physical harm resulted from the claim, the resources expended, emotional toll on passengers, and operational delays highlight the gravity of such actions.
As the investigation continues, both civilian and military authorities are working to determine what motivated Stea’s actions and whether any further disciplinary measures or security changes will be implemented.
For now, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the delicate balance between ensuring public safety and responding proportionately to threats—real or fabricated.
The Navy has indicated it will continue to cooperate with investigators and emphasized its commitment to maintaining public trust and accountability within its ranks.
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