All Three Eject Safely; Cause Under Investigation

Officials with the US Navy tell ANN teams from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) rescued all three aviators after an F/A-18E and an F/A-18F crashed for as-yet unreported reasons during operations in the Persian Gulf January 7.

The three aviators are safely back aboard the aircraft carrier, and are reported in good condition following an ejection. The Super Hornets, from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, were providing en route close air support from Iraq when they crashed. CVW-3 is currently deployed to the Persian Gulf with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group.

Officials say the cause of the accident is under investigation, adding there is no evidence hostile fire brought down the fighters. The incident comes one day after five Iranian gunboats 'buzzed' three Navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz, and threatened to open fire. A Pentagon official told reporters US forces were "literally" on the verge of firing at the Iranian ships, before they turned around and sped off.

The Harry S. Truman Strike Group is part of a routine presence of US warships to the region, and its operations are focused on demonstrating an ongoing commitment to security and stability. US forces maintain a naval and air presence in the area to deter destabilizing activities, while safeguarding the region's vital links to the global economy.

CVW-3 consists of Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 11, VFA-32, VFA-37 and VFA-105; Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron 130; Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126; and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 7.

FMI: www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/