Accident Occurred Shortly After Launch From USS Theodore Roosevelt

A U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211 went down in the water at 1:30 p.m. (GMT), Tuesday, shortly after launching from the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) operating in the Arabian Gulf.

The two personnel aboard the strike fighter ejected from the aircraft, survived the crash and were quickly recovered by search and rescue personnel from the ship. The recovered Naval Aviators are being evaluated by medical personnel aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt. Initial reports indicate both are conscious and alert, and without serious injury.

The accident was not a result of hostile activity.

Strike Fighter Squadron 211 is based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, and is assigned to Carrier Air Wing 1. USS Theodore Roosevelt, with its embarked carrier air wing, is currently in the U.S. 5th Fleet supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, conducting strike operations against ISIL in Iraq and Syria.

The Navy is investigating the cause of the crash.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.navy.mil