Overview

• The pilot from Strike Fighter Squadron 83 ejected at about 9:53 a.m. local time during a routine training flight off Virginia Beach.
• Search-and-rescue teams recovered the pilot at approximately 11:21 a.m., and the pilot was transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital for evaluation.
• The downed F/A-18E remains in the water, and the Navy says the cause of the mishap is under investigation.
• Coast Guard and Navy aircraft supported the recovery effort, including an MH-60T Jayhawk, an HC-130J Hercules, and a Navy MH-60S, according to aviation reports.
• VFA-83, known as the Rampagers and based at Naval Air Station Oceana, previously deployed with Carrier Air Wing Three, as reporting notes a recent series of Super Hornet and Growler mishaps.