At approximately 1016 EST, reports began to emerge of a U.S. Navy F-18 crash off the coast of a Key West, Florida. By 1300 EST, local media confirmed the pilot had been rescued after ejecting over the ocean..The announcement from Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) 111:."We can confirm that a Navy pilot assigned to a Naval Air Station Key West-based Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) 111 "Sun Downers," ejected from an F-5N aircraft approximately 25 miles from Boca Chica Field at approximately 9:20 a.m. today. A NAS Key West Search and Rescue crew launched an MH-60S helicopter and rescued the pilot, who is being transported to a Miami-area hospital for further evaluation..VFC-111 is a Navy Reserve squadron composed of Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) and Selected Reserve personnel..The safety and well-being of our pilot remains our top priority. The cause of the incident will be investigated. More details will be released as they become available."
At approximately 1016 EST, reports began to emerge of a U.S. Navy F-18 crash off the coast of a Key West, Florida. By 1300 EST, local media confirmed the pilot had been rescued after ejecting over the ocean..The announcement from Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) 111:."We can confirm that a Navy pilot assigned to a Naval Air Station Key West-based Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) 111 "Sun Downers," ejected from an F-5N aircraft approximately 25 miles from Boca Chica Field at approximately 9:20 a.m. today. A NAS Key West Search and Rescue crew launched an MH-60S helicopter and rescued the pilot, who is being transported to a Miami-area hospital for further evaluation..VFC-111 is a Navy Reserve squadron composed of Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) and Selected Reserve personnel..The safety and well-being of our pilot remains our top priority. The cause of the incident will be investigated. More details will be released as they become available."
