NAS Lemoore jet crashes into Philippine Sea from carrier; both aviators safe

The pilot and the weapons officer ejected safely and were recovered by a helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, according to a statement from the carrier.

“The incident occurred as the F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Carrier Air Wing 11 was conducting routine pilot proficiency training,” reads a statement about the incident. “The incident is currently under investigation. Both aviators were assessed by the medical team on board Theodore Roosevelt and are in good condition.”

According to public Navy information, the only squadron on the carrier that flies the two-seat F variant is the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154 from Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.

Theodore Roosevelt returned to sea on June 4 after spending more than two months in Guam battling a COVID-19 outbreak that infected more than 1,200 crew members and resulted in one death. Carrier Air Wing 11 was re-certified to operate from Theodore Roosevelt before the deployment resumed.

The ship is back underway currently operating in the Philippine Sea, according to Navy officials.