ALL NAVY F/A-18 E/F SUPER HORNETS GROUNDED

US Navy temporarily grounded all F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets and E/A-18G Growlers after an aircrew was injured and a Growler damaged in an undisclosed incident.

US Navy F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet

Dec. 16, 2016 - A U.S. Navy E/A-18G jet assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132 experienced an on-deck emergency at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island at approximately 1100 (PST), today.

The aircraft was damaged and both aircrew sustained injuries and were transported by a NAS Whidbey Island SAR helicopter to Harborview Medical Center for evaluation. The cause of the emergency is under investigation.

Naval Air Forces has temporarily suspended flight operations for all F/A-18 E/F Super Hornets and E/A-18G Growlers as a safety precaution since they share common aircraft systems, with exceptions made on a case-by-case basis dependent upon operational requirements. 

The operational pause will allow both Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and Boeing engineers time to investigate the incident.

Source: Commander, Naval Air Forces Public Affairs Officer