2 US Navy jets crash in Pacific ocean
The US Navy is continuing to search for a missing pilot, after two of its jets crashed into the western Pacific Ocean, a spokesman has said.
The F/A-18C Hornets were operating off the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson when they came down.
Pledge to ACT if you notice signs of distress in your shipmates http://t.co/vzC3t6OfDI #SuicidePrevention
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) September 13, 2014
One pilot was rescued and is receiving medical attention aboard the ship. A search effort is underway to find the second, the navy said.
The two jets, which cost $57m (£35m) each, have not been recovered.
2 US Navy F/A-18 Hornets 94th n 113th Sqn just crashed in the Pacific Ocean. 1 Pilot missing.
http://t.co/QIcRUfjruk pic.twitter.com/uGGBbIQo5W
— Maverick (@iFighterPilot) September 12, 2014
The cause of the incident is under investigation, the navy said in a statement.
The planes were flying routine operations in the US 7th Fleet's area of responsibility, which stretches west from the International Date Line to the India-Pakistan border.
The crash occurred about 290 miles (466 km) west of Wake Island, which is 2,300 miles (3,700km) west of Honolulu, a navy spokesman said.
The search for the second pilot is being conducted by the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill, guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley, and a number of helicopters.
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