PRESS RELEASE | Jan. 7, 2008
No fatalities as two F/A-18s crash in Persian Gulf
By U.S. Fifth Fleet Public Affairs , US Naval Forces Central Command

PERSIAN GULF (NNS) – Teams from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) rescued all three aviators after an F/A-18E and an F/A-18F that crashed during operations in the Persian Gulf Jan. 7.

The three aviators are safely back aboard the aircraft carrier, and are reported in good condition following an ejection.

The Super Hornets, from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, were providing en route close air support from Iraq when they crashed. CVW-3 is currently deployed to the Persian Gulf with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group.

The Harry S. Truman Strike Group is part of a routine presence of U.S. warships to the region, and its operations are focused on demonstrating an ongoing commitment to security and stability. U.S. forces maintain a naval and air presence in the area to deter destabilizing activities, while safeguarding the region’s vital links to the global economy.

CVW-3 consists of Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 11, VFA-32, VFA-37 and VFA-105; Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron 130; Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126; and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 7.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/