Navy Pilots Rescued After Ejecting from Aircraft Aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower
Two pilots were safely recovered from the water following an incident off the Virginia coast; four personnel sustained injuries.
Two Navy pilots were rescued from the water on Monday night after ejecting from their aircraft due to an unspecified mishap aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. The aviators, assigned to the carrier's air wing, were in the water off the coast of Virginia around 6:18 p.m. when the incident occurred.
Both pilots were quickly recovered and have returned to the ship. They are currently undergoing evaluation by medical personnel. In addition to the pilots, four other crew members sustained injuries during the event. One sailor required transport to a local hospital for treatment of injuries that are not considered life-threatening.
The mishap took place as the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower was conducting its early carrier qualifications. The aircraft carrier had recently completed a repair period in July and was observed departing Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia on Monday afternoon.
The U.S. Navy has not yet disclosed the type of aircraft involved or the specific cause of the ejection. Navy air wings typically operate two types of two-seat carrier aircraft: the F/A-18F Super Hornet and the EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft.