From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs:
MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) — A U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211 crashed at 1:30 p.m. (GMT), today, 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 crash 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.
Added:
An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Knighthawks of Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 136 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), April 11. Theodore Roosevelt is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, strike operations in Iraq and Syria as directed, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Anthony Hopkins II)
Edit: “Arabian” added to title.
Lead photo: An F/A-18F Super Hornet, making a final approach to the flight deck of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) U.S. Navy file photo
The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.