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VFA-125

F/A-18D Hornet

 

Monday 6th February 2006 - 5:17 p.m.

Pilot not yet named

 

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 Date: Feb. 06, 2006

Press Release

COAST GUARD RESCUES NAVY PILOT
 

 

MIAMI - A crew from Coast Guard Air Station Miami, Fla., rescued a Navy FA-18 pilot at 6:40 p.m. today after he was forced to eject from the aircraft five miles south of Boca Chica, Fla., today.

The Navy pilot was hoisted into a Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin Helicopter that had been diverted from another mission in the area. The pilot was taken to Lower Keys Memorial Hospital and was reported to be in good condition.

The Coast Guard received the report of the downed FA-18 from the commanding officer of the Naval Air Station Key West at Boca Chica at 5:02 p.m.

Several assets were launched or diverted to help in the search for the pilot. Coast Guard Station Key West launched two rescue boats, Air Station Miami launched two HH-65 helicopters, a C-130 from Air Station Clearwater was launched and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation also assisted in the search.

 

 

  
          

 

             Official News Release

                February 6, 2006

Release 06-03

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

NAVAL AIR STATION (NAS) KEY WEST, Fla. - A two-seat Navy F/A-18D aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125, impacted the ocean approximately four miles southeast of the air station during a routine training mission at approximately 5:17 p.m.

 

The Navy pilot ejected safely and was recoved by Coast Guard search and rescue.  The pilot was taken to a local hospital for a thorough physical evaluation.

 

The cause of the mishap is under investigation.

 

The name of the aviator is currently being witheld.

 

VFA-125 flies the Navy’s F/A-18 A, B, C and D model aircraft and is based out of NAS Lemoore, Calif.  At the time of the mishap the squadron had been operating out NAS Key West for eight days and was due to return to NAS Lemoore on Friday.

 

I'd like to express my appreciation to the Public Affairs Officer at NAS Key West, FL. for forwarding this press release