Two US Navy pilots ejected from aircraft aboard USS Eisenhower

An incident aboard the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower resulted in injuries and forced two United States Navy pilots to eject from their aircraft. The event occurred while the vessel was positioned off the coast of Virginia, with investigations into the specific causes still underway.

Details of the ejection incident

The accident took place on the evening of September 28 during a flight recovery operation. The two pilots, assigned to the carrier’s air wing, were compelled to leave their jet. Search and rescue personnel quickly retrieved the aviators and returned them to the ship for medical evaluation by onboard staff.

Four additional sailors sustained injuries during the occurrence. One of these individuals is being transported to a hospital in the Norfolk area to receive treatment for non-life-threatening conditions.

Carrier status and investigation

According to the Naval Institute, the incident happened during early qualification exercises for the Eisenhower. The carrier had completed its most recent maintenance period in July and was observed leaving the Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia on Monday afternoon.

Authorities have not yet determined what triggered the ejections or identified the specific type of aircraft involved. The US Navy operates two variants of two-seat carrier-based jets: the F/A-18F Super Hornet and the EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft. A formal inquiry into the cause remains active.