PACIFIC OCEAN — The Navy is looking for a pilot in the western Pacific Ocean after two F/A-18 Hornets crashed Friday.
“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 Navy released. “The initial report is that the two aircraft are assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 94 (VFA-94) and Strike Fighter Squadron 113 (VFA-113).”
While one pilot was rescued and returned to the aircraft carrier for medical treatment, the second pilot has yet to be located.
“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),” a Navy spokesman said. “The two F/A-18C Hornets have not been recovered.”
The cause of the crash remained under investigation.
This is a developing story.
