Navy Sailor Charged for False Bomb Threat on Flight

U.S. Navy Electronics Technician John Stea was arrested for allegedly making a false bomb threat while traveling on official military orders aboard Hawaiian Airlines Flight 15 from San Diego to Honolulu. Stea reportedly told a flight attendant the passenger next to him had a bomb, prompting the evacuation of all 293 passengers and crew and a comprehensive search of the aircraft that lasted five hours. Passengers described Stea as behaving erratically and possibly under the influence before boarding. Law enforcement, including FBI agents in tactical gear, arrested Stea, who faces misdemeanor charges of making a false security threat and violating airport codes, with possible additional military disciplinary action. No explosives were found, and the incident ended without injuries. The Navy stated it is cooperating fully with authorities, and the flight continued safely to Honolulu after clearance.