US Jet Fighter Crashes in Gulf After Taking Off From Aircraft Carrier

A US fighter jet crashed soon after taking off from the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt in the Persian Gulf, the US Naval Central Command said in a statement on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The Navy Command underscored that the crash was not a result of hostile activity and the reasons for the incident are being investigated.

“A US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211 crashed at 1:30 p.m. (GMT), today, shortly after launching from the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) operating in the Arabian (Persian) Gulf.”

The two personnel aboard the fighter jet survived the crash by timely ejecting from the aircraft, and are now aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt.

“Initial reports indicate both are conscious and alert, and without serious injury,” the statement added.

The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt is supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, conducting airstrike operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. The terrorist group's positions have been targeted by US-led coalition airstrikes since August 2014.