US Navy jet crashed off San Diego coast, crew members safe

PHOTO CAPTION: Illustrative photo — An EA-18G Growler is seen after takeoff, Dec. 15, 2024. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Pablo Chavez via U.S. Defense Visual Information Distribution Service)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -     A U.S. Navy jet crashed off the coast of San Diego on Wednesday but both crew members were safely recovered, a U.S. official said.

The official, who was speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the EA-18G Growler, used for electronic warfare, was based out of Washington State. 

The reason for the crash was unclear, but the Coast Guard had rescued both the pilots from the two-seater jet. 

U.S. military aviation safety has been in focus after an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with a passenger jet in Washington D.C. last month. 

 (Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart, Editing by Franklin Paul)