FRESNO (KMJ) – The navy says an F/A-18 Super Hornet out of Lemoore was on a routine training mission when it crashed in the desert Wednesday.
A navy spokesperson says search-and-rescue teams responded to the the crash scene north of the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in the Mojave Desert Wednesday morning.
The status of the pilot remains unknown.
“We’re looking for an aviator out there, hoping for the best, so I’m always optimistic but we’ve got processes and procedures in place to make sure we can execute even through the most challenging times,” Lt. Travis Callaghan said.
The aircraft was from strike fighter squadron VFA-151 stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore.
“Lemoore is a unique community, we’re a very tight-knit community, so as we move through this process, the base, the community around us, the folks here are always good about supporting the military and supporting the community, so I appreciate everything that’s going to occur in the future, regardless of the outcome,” Callaghan said.
the Super Hornet is a twin-engine fighter jet.
