Marines rescued after F/A-18 crashes off San Diego

Two Marine aviators were rescued early Thursday morning after their F/A-18D Hornet crashed into the ocean about 85 miles southwest of San Diego, the Coast Guard said.

The two spent about four hours in the water after the Wednesday night crash.

Both Marines -- a pilot and a weapon systems officer -- were airlifted to a San Diego hospital, where they were listed in stable condition.

Two Coast Guard cutters, a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft were involved in the rescue -- along with Navy and Marine Corps personnel. The Coast Guard received word about 10:30 p.m. that the F/A-18D was missing and had developed communication problems.

The jet was part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing based at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station in San Diego. The crash is under investigation, the Marine Corps said.

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-- Tony Perry in San Diego

Photo: An. F/A-18D Hornet. Credit: U.S. Marine Corps