Here’s why the US Navy recovered this F/A-18F Super Hornet wreckage from the sea

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Arthurgwain L. Marquez / US Navy

Taken on Jul. 22, 2015 the following interesting pictures feature U.S. Navy Divers and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians, assigned to Commander, Task Group (CTG) 56.1, successfully salvaging an F/A-18F Super Hornetlost at sea aboard USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168).

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Arthurgwain L. Marquez / US Navy

Noteworthy this aircraft was lost because of a mechanical failure suffered by one of its engines and its salvage will allow a close inspection on the engine that failed.

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Arthurgwain L. Marquez / US Navy

This F/A-18F (AB 210, BuNo 166814) was assigned to the “Fighting Checkmates” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211and crashed in the Arabian Gulf on May 12, 2015 shortly after its launch from the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Arthurgwain L. Marquez / US Navy

The aircrew ejected safely and was recovered by USS Theodore Roosevelt search and rescue personnel.

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