Two Boeing F/A-18C Hornet fighter jets assigned to the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson crashed early on 12 September in the Western Pacific Ocean.
The jets were members of Carrier Air Wing 17 and one each was assigned to strike fighter squadrons 94 and 113. The carrier is underway in the US 7th Fleet performing security and stability operations in the Asia-Pacific region.
One of the pilots was quickly recovered and returned to the Carl Vinson, where he is receiving medical care. Search efforts are ongoing to find the other pilot. Neither F/A-18 has been recovered, the Navy says. All other aircraft operating at sea when the crashes occurred have safely landed aboard the Vinson.
The guided missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill and guided missile destroyer USS Gridley are assisting in the search and rescue effort along with helicopters, the navy says.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
