U.S. Defense Secretary's Plane Makes Emergency UK Landing Due to Windshield Crack
A U.S. Air Force Boeing C-32A carrying War Secretary Pete Hegseth was forced to make an emergency landing at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom on October 15, 2025, after a crack appeared in the aircraft’s windshield. The incident occurred during the plane’s return journey from the NATO Defense Ministers meeting in Brussels. Flight tracking showed the aircraft rapidly descended to below 10,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean near Ireland, following standard emergency procedures for a compromised windscreen. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the unscheduled landing was carried out safely with all onboard, including Hegseth, unharmed. Hegseth reassured the public on social media, stating, “All good. Thank God. Continue mission!” The C-32A, a militarized Boeing 757, serves as a key transport for senior U.S. officials and is known for its long service life, currently undergoing upgrades as replacement efforts begin. The cause of the windshield crack is under investigation, and it remains unclear when Hegseth will resume his travel.