A U.S. Navy pilot was safely rescued after ejecting from an F/A-18E Super Hornet during a routine training flight off the coast of Virginia on March 15, 2024. The incident occurred at approximately 9:53 a.m. Eastern Time, prompting a rapid response from search and rescue teams.
The pilot, part of the Strike Fighter Squadron 83, was located and retrieved around 11:21 a.m. and subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation, as confirmed by a Navy release. The release did not disclose the pilot’s condition but emphasized that the recovery operation was successful and executed without complications.
Investigation Underway
The Navy reported that the F/A-18E Super Hornet remains submerged in the water following the incident. While the specific cause of the ejection is still under investigation, details surrounding the mishap are being closely examined to ensure safety protocols are upheld.
The Strike Fighter Squadron 83 operates from Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by military aviation, where routine training exercises can lead to unexpected emergencies.
As investigations continue, the Navy is committed to determining the factors that contributed to the pilot’s ejection and ensuring the safety of its personnel in future operations.
