Hornet Engine Explosion on USS John C. Stennis

I suspect that by the time most of you read this, the Navy will have more information out in the media. Until then, from the Washington Post.

A jet fighter’s engine exploded and caught fire Wednesday as it prepared to take off from an aircraft carrier off California, injuring 10 sailors, the military said.

The F/A-18C Hornet was starting a training exercise when the accident occurred about 2:50 p.m. on the flight deck of the USS John C. Stennis, according to Cmdr. Pauline Storum.

Four sailors were flown to Naval Medical Center San Diego where they were in stable condition. The six others were treated for burn injuries on board the carrier. None of the injuries was life threatening, Storum said.

The pilot was not hurt.

The fire was quickly extinguished, and there was no significant damage to the ship, Storum said. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Storum said the Hornet sustained at least a million dollars’ worth of damage.

First and foremost, lets keep these sailors in our prayers this morning.