UPDATE 1: At approximately 6:18 p.m. EDT on Sept. 28, a mishap involving an E/A-18G Growler, attached to the “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, occurred during aircraft recovery operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) off the coast of Virginia.

Two Naval aviators assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 subsequently ejected from their aircraft following an arresting gear failure and were promptly recovered by search-and-rescue personnel assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7. Both aviators were safely returned to the ship.

A total of eight Sailors were evaluated by ship’s medical personnel following the incident. One Sailor was flown to a Norfolk-area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The two aviators and two additional Sailors injured on the flight deck were flown to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth for follow-on evaluation.

Our immediate priority is ensuring all personnel involved receive the care and support they need. Carrier crews regularly train for emergencies and unexpected situations during flight operations, and that training enabled the crew to respond quickly and safely.

The cause of the mishap is under investigation. Updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

From the Navy Chief of Information, Sept. 28, 2026.