Two F/A-18 Hornets from Carrier Air Wing 17 embarked on the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) crashed at 5:40 p.m. local time, today, while operating at sea in the western Pacific Ocean. The initial report is that the two aircraft are assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 94 (VFA-94) and Strike Fighter Squadron 113 (VFA-113).
One pilot was rapidly located and returned to Carl Vinson, and is currently receiving medical attention. Search efforts continue for the second pilot.
The search for the second pilot includes guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) and helicopters assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 15 (HSC 15) and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73 (HSM 73).
The two F/A-18C Hornets have not been recovered.
All remaining airborne aircraft were safely recovered onboard.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
More coverage:
BREAKING: Two F/A-18C Hornets Crash In Pacific , One Pilot Missing http://t.co/CxdpHlcVU1
— U.S. Naval Institute (@NavalInstitute) September 12, 2014
US navy searches for pilot after two Hornet fighter jets crash in Pacific http://t.co/sVgameaEQD
— Guardian US (@GuardianUS) September 12, 2014
Repeat: both Hornets that crashed at 1740 local time 12 Sept in western Pacific are F/A-18C Hornets, VFAs 94 & 113 #hornetcrash
— Chris Cavas (@CavasShips) September 12, 2014
The F/A-18Cs are from VFA-94 and VFA-113. One pilot recovered with injuries, search continues for the other/ http://t.co/VtnyxxRZ8E
— Chris Cavas (@CavasShips) September 12, 2014
Search units incl cruiser #BUNKER HILL, destroyer #GRIDLEY, helo rons HSC015 and HSM073 #hornetcrash
— Chris Cavas (@CavasShips) September 12, 2014
Squadrons are part of #Carrier Air Wing 17 deployed on #VINSON #hornetcrash
— Chris Cavas (@CavasShips) September 12, 2014
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We will update this post as soon as we know more.
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