Two killed in Navy jet crash near Lemoore [Updated]
Two people were killed when a Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft crashed near Naval Air Station Lemoore on Wednesday, officials said.
The fighter jet crashed shortly after noon in a grass field about a half a mile from the air station, officials said. No one on the ground was injured.
No other information was immediately available about the victims.
Emergency crews are at the scene of the crash.
The air station is in the San Joaquin Valley, about 40 miles west of Visalia.
[Updated, 2:34 p.m.: Navy officials believe the downed jet to be a Super Hornet, which is the latest model of the F/A-18 fighter attack series. Officials said they have been conducting training exercises in preparation for deployment.
A base spokesperson said the jet was on a routine training flight.]
[Updated, 3:50 p.m.: The supersonic F/A-18 fighter jet, a fixture on U.S. Navy aircraft carriers since 1983, is made by Boeing Co. in St Louis. The plane’s center fuselage is built by Northrop Grumman Corp. in El Segundo.
The Super Hornet variation can cost about $60 million per plane.]
[Updated, 5 p.m.: The two crew members killed in the crash were assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 122 based at Lemoore.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and shipmates of the aircrew,” said Capt. James Knapp, commanding officer of Naval Air Station Lemoore. “An investigation is being conducted to determine the cause of the mishap.”]
-- Tony Perry, Ari Bloomekatz and W.J. Hennigan
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Map: Shows location of incident. Click through for larger map. Credit: Los Angeles Times
Photo: An F/A-18 Hornet prepares to land on the carrier John C. Stennis during a training exercise in January. Credit: U.S. Navy
EDITOR'S PICKS:
All I can think of , is the families of these two pilots. God bless them in this terrible hour.
Posted by: Mr Bean | April 06, 2011 at 02:25 PM
Condolences to the families of these two pilots and their colleagues.
Just another example of the sacrifices the military folks make for us and the preservation of our freedoms everyday.
Posted by: Geechee | April 06, 2011 at 02:34 PM
what a sad terrible day for all involved in this. Our prayers go out to the Navy families of the pilots involved an to the personnel on NAS Lemoore
Posted by: c callahan | April 06, 2011 at 03:17 PM
God bless our military, and especially the families , friends and colleagues of these two pilots who today have made the supreme sacrifice for their country.
May God have mercy on their souls.
Posted by: Jimbo | April 06, 2011 at 03:40 PM
This is so sad t0 learn of the loss of these two pilots.I will send cards to their families, when I learn of their names. God Bless their sweet hearts.
Posted by: SANDY CASTOR | April 06, 2011 at 03:40 PM
Thank you for providing more details. I know that this is a dark day for that Squadron.
Posted by: Jack Blount | April 06, 2011 at 04:55 PM
Thank you for your service. Your mission is over. A greatful American extends his thanks to the pilots and condolances to the families of the pilots. May you soar on eagle wings and rest in the arms of our loving Father in heaven.
Posted by: whitebimbopan | April 06, 2011 at 06:10 PM
remember theses 2 men as men who fought for our country have a minute of silence in remembrence of them
Posted by: marissa | April 06, 2011 at 08:13 PM
My heart goes out to the families and friends of the 2 lost pilots. It's terrible when things like this happen.
Posted by: d ransfer | April 06, 2011 at 10:26 PM
One hornet down equals 60 mansions destroyed. War is wasteful.
Posted by: suk tsang | April 06, 2011 at 10:41 PM
This a sad day for the Navy and the Lemoore area i was stationed there in '79 with Marine Barracks. stay strong
Posted by: Steven Thompson | April 07, 2011 at 09:07 AM
Prayers out to the families, and God Bless our Naval Base. My husband is currently attached to this base and indeed is this a tragedy.
Posted by: Karina Gamez | April 07, 2011 at 02:48 PM
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those lost.
Posted by: Jay | April 08, 2011 at 08:12 AM
Last week I attended our son's graduation in Kingsville, TX and he will be headed to Lemoore shortly to begin training as a super hornet jet pilot. This definitely gives me concern, but I can't let that interfere with our son's dream, I love him too much. My condolences to all involved.
Posted by: Rita | April 13, 2011 at 12:32 PM