F/A-18F Crash Only Second Navy Aircraft Lost So Far in 2020

An F/A-18F Super Hornet, shown here in January 2020 as it lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), was the second Navy aircraft lost so far in 2020 during a sortie from the USS Theodore Roosevelt. U.S. Navy / Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jesus O. Aguiar

ARLINGTON, Va. — The crash of a Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet strike fighter on June 18 was only the second loss of a Navy aircraft so far in 2020 — or in fiscal 2020 as well — according to an unofficial count.

The F/A-18F lost on June 18 crashed into the Philippine Sea during a sortie from the USS Theodore Roosevelt. The aircraft’s pilot and weapon system operator were rescued by an MH-60S helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight (HSC-8), according to a release from the aircraft carrier.

The F/A-18F was assigned to Fighter Squadron 154 (VF-154), according to a source.

“The incident occurred as the F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Carrier Air Wing 11 was conducting routine pilot proficiency training. The incident is currently under investigation,” the carrier said in its release. “Both aviators were assessed by the medical team on board Theodore Roosevelt and are in good condition.”

The other loss in 2020 so far was an MH-60S operating from the 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge on Jan. 25. The helicopter crashed into the Philippine Sea and all five personnel on board were rescued.