U.S. Fleet Forces Releases Statement on F/A-18 Crash

An F/A-18D assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 crashed in Virginia Beach, Va. April 6.

Initial reports indicate that at approximately 12:05 p.m., the jet crashed just after takeoff at a location just off of the base.

Both aircrew safely ejected from the aircraft.

The Navy is coordinating with local authorities.

Adm. John C. Harvey, Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces released the following statement:

“My thoughts and prayers are with our citizens and families who have been impacted by the tragic crash today in Virginia Beach by an aircraft from NAS Oceana.

“I deeply regret that some in our community have lost their homes, and I, like many, pray for the well-being of all.

“I must also offer my deepest gratitude to the citizens of Virginia Beach and the Mayfair Mews Apartments, as well as Virginia Beach’s first responders, for their immediate and heroic response to take care of our aircrew after they ejected and all at the scene of the mishap.

“I have spoken with Mayor Sessoms, and all the resources of the Navy in Hampton Roads are being made available to the City of Virginia Beach as we all deal with the impacts and recovery from this terrible mishap.

“We will continue to work directly with the City of Virginia Beach and continue to provide all possible assistance.

“We will conduct a complete investigation into the cause of this mishap and share all information we have as soon as we are able to do so.”

VFA-106 is based at Naval Air Station Oceana, and serves as the East Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron. Their mission is to train Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 replacement pilots and weapon systems officers to support fleet commitments.

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Naval Today Staff , April 09, 2012; Image: navy