Salvage Efforts Continue for EA-18G Aircraft in San Diego Bay 

From Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Feb. 16,2025 

Members of the Mobile Diving and Salvage Company 3-8, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Three (EODMU-3), continued salvage planning and operations today for the EA-18G Growler that crashed in San Diego Bay on Feb. 12. 

Amphibious Construction Battalion ONE (ACB 1), along with members from multiple Navy commands and local authorities, supported EOD personnel in positioning and anchoring a barge to support the upcoming salvage operations. Current estimates suggest the recovery operation may take up to two weeks. 

We understand the impact this unfortunate accident has had on our community. Our foremost commitment is to engage in deliberate recovery efforts, prioritizing the safety of everyone involved—including local residents, servicemembers and partners. The U.S. Navy takes pride in our deep history here in San Diego and ask for the community’s continued patience as we navigate through the recovery efforts. We are dedicated to safely recovering the wreckage, minimizing environmental impact, and ensuring the channel can return to normal traffic as soon as possible. 

The U.S. Coast Guard has established a temporary safety zone for navigable waters in the vicinity of Naval Base Point Loma and Shelter Island in San Diego Bay. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards associated with the crash. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector San Diego. Civilian vessels will not be permitted to transit in and out of the Shelter Island basin through the southwestern portion of the channel from Feb. 15 until the conclusion of salvage operations. 

The public may notice heavy equipment near the Shelter Island harbor entrance as recovery operations continue. Individuals are asked to stay clear of floating cranes, barges, and other recovery vessels in the area and avoid interfering with ongoing recovery efforts. 

During the recovery effort, some debris may float and wash ashore in areas away from the crash site. The public is strongly advised not to approach, touch, or collect any debris that may wash ashore. Naval Base Coronado has established a reporting option for debris sightings. The public should report debris to: [email protected]. 

Additional Navy commands assisting in the recovery effort include Navy Region Southwest (California,Nevada,New Mexico,Arizona,Colorado,Utah), Naval Base Coronado, Naval Base Point Loma, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southwest, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Supervisor of Salvage and Diving, and Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet. These teams are working together to ensure a safe and efficient recovery operation. 

After a 24-hour medical evaluation, the two aircrew members involved in the crash were discharged from the hospital the next day. The pilot and naval flight officer are assigned to @Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ-135 World Famous Black Ravens). 

Throughout the recovery, Commander, Naval Air Forces will continue to lead the investigation into the cause of the crash. That investigation is ongoing.