Navy Sailor Makes ‘Bomb Threat’ on Flight with 300 Passengers

SAN DIEGO, CA — A 35-year-old U.S. Navy sailor is facing federal charges after allegedly making a false bomb threat that forced the emergency evacuation of nearly 300 passengers aboard a Hawaiian Airlines flight preparing for takeoff in San Diego.

The suspect, identified as Electronics Technician 2nd Class John Stea, was taken into custody on Tuesday, May 20, after authorities say he told a flight attendant that the passenger sitting next to him had a bomb.

The incident took place aboard Hawaiian Airlines Flight 15, which was set to depart from San Diego International Airport for Honolulu, Hawaii. The plane was already taxiing on the runway when Stea allegedly made the explosive claim.

Evacuation Unfolds in Real Time

Airport security sprang into action. The plane was immediately diverted to a secure area on the tarmac. All 293 passengers and crew members were quickly evacuated and transported by bus to a safe location. A full bomb sweep of the aircraft was conducted by the Port of San Diego Harbor Police’s Maritime Tactical Unit and K-9 teams, in coordination with the FBI and other federal agencies.

Nothing dangerous was found.

“The aircraft and all luggage were thoroughly cleared by explosive detection dogs. No threat was found, and the flight was rescheduled,” a spokesperson for Hawaiian Airlines confirmed.

A False Alarm With Real Consequences

Stea, currently assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Group One based in San Diego, is now facing serious charges for allegedly fabricating a bomb threat—an offense that carries steep federal penalties, especially given his active-duty status.

“The safety of the public and our personnel is of utmost importance to the Navy,” the U.S. Third Fleet said in a statement. “We take all threats seriously and are cooperating fully with local and federal authorities.”

Eyewitness: ‘They Took Him Straight Off the Plane’

Fellow sailor Isai Solorzano, who was also on the flight, told FOX 5 KUSI that he saw authorities board the aircraft and begin questioning passengers.

“They were asking who owned a certain bag,” Solorzano said. “Then one guy stood up. They immediately told him to turn around, cuffed him, and escorted him right off the plane.”

Who is John Stea?

While little has been publicly shared about Stea’s service record, Navy sources confirmed he holds the rank of Electronics Technician 2nd Class, a role typically responsible for operating and maintaining military communications and detection equipment.

Some military insiders have quietly questioned whether this was a deliberate hoax or a mental health episode gone too far.

“Regardless of motive, incidents like this undermine public trust and risk lives,” a retired Navy intelligence officer told us. “It’s a disgrace to the uniform.”

Pattern of Turmoil in Military Travel?

This isn’t the first time U.S. military personnel have sparked mid-flight alarms. Just last year, two Marines were removed from a commercial flight after being caught with unauthorized ammunition. Critics argue the military needs to take a harder look at the readiness—and stability—of its ranks.

Meanwhile, Stea remains in federal custody pending arraignment. If convicted, he could face years behind bars and a dishonorable discharge.

Bottom Line:

This wasn’t a prank. It was a full-scale bomb scare that put hundreds of innocent lives on edge—all allegedly due to a reckless lie from someone sworn to protect the country.

In a time when Americans are already fed up with weak enforcement and spiraling security failures, this incident raises a hard question: How did we get to a point where our own servicemen are setting off panic at the gate?