SAN DIEGO – A U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81 based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, Va., crashed into the water while on approach to USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) at approximately 10 p.m. PDT on June 4 while operating off the coast of southern California.
The pilot ejected from the aircraft and was recovered safely by Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 15.
The pilot is currently aboard Carl Vinson and is expected to make a full recovery.
The F/A-18E Super Hornet has not been recovered and remains in the water.
Following the mishap, all flight operations ceased temporarily aboard Carl Vinson and all remaining airborne aircraft were safely diverted to NAS North Island. Flight operations resumed at 1200 p.m. PDT on June 5 and all diverted aircraft returned to Carl Vinson.
A safety investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the mishap.
Carl Vinson and embarked Carrier Air Wing 17 are currently underway conducting Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX). JTFEX is designed to test a strike group’s ability to operate in hostile and complex environments with other U.S. and coalition forces. The integrated exercise combines specific warfare areas with the purpose of making preparations for the strike group’s upcoming deployment.
—
Source: US NAVY
