Posted on 01/28/2003 5:42:27 PM PST by Excuse_My_Bellicosity
Story Number: NNS030128-09 Release Date: 1/28/2003 1:07:00 PM
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- A U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat aircraft operating from the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) crashed in the Caribbean approximately 60 miles east of Puerto Rico just after 4:30 p.m. Jan. 26. Both the pilot and radar intercept officer were recovered safely.
The aircraft, part of Fighter Squadron (VF) 213 “Black Lions” based out of Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., was on approach for a landing aboard Theodore Roosevelt when it went down. A search and rescue team from Helicopter Support Squadron 3 responded and had the crew out of the water within 15 minutes. Both crew members are in good condition and in the ship’s medical department for observation.
Flight operations have resumed. The cause of the incident is under investigation.
The Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group is currently conducting training exercises as part of a Composite Training Unit Exercise.
For more news about USS Theodore Rosevelt, visit their Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn71.
Lord, guard and guide the men who fly
Through the great spaces in the sky.
Be with them always in the air,
In darkening storms or sunlight fair;
Oh, hear us when we lift our prayer,
For those in peril in the air!
I'm really glad they're okay, as well.
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