A U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81 based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, Va., impacted the water during an approach to USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) at approximately 10 p.m. PST on June 4 while operating off the coast of Southern California.
The pilot ejected from the aircraft, was recovered safely and is currently aboard Carl Vinson in stable condition.
The F/A-18E Super Hornet has not been recovered.
All remaining airborne aircraft were safely diverted to NAS North Island in Coronado, Calif., landing at approximately 11 p.m. PST.
All air operations have ceased aboard Carl Vinson until further notice.
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.
[mappress] Press Release, June 05, 2014; Image: US Navy