F/A-18 Super Hornet Crashes into Persian Gulf, Crew Safe

(Military.com)

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet crashed into the Persian Gulf Tuesday at 1:30 GMT after taking off from the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier, Navy officials said.

The pilot and weapon systems officer flying the aircraft ejected safely and were quickly recovered by search and rescue personnel from the ship, according to the Navy. Service officials said the crash was not caused by "hostile activity."

Navy leaders have launched an investigation to find out what caused the F/A-18 Super Hornet to crash.

The F/A-18 and other aircraft on board the USS Theodore Roosevelt have been recently conducting air strikes against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) for months.

The recovered Navy aviators are being evaluated by medical personnel aboard the Roosevelt. Initial reports indicate both are conscious and alert, and without serious injury, said Lt. Tim Hawkins, a Navy spokesman.
"The accident has not affected operations and support for Operation Inherent Resolve," Hawkins said.

The F/A-18 F Super Hornet is assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 211, a unit based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.

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