Eight Sailors Injured on U.S. Aircraft Carrier

Eight sailors on board the Norfolk-based aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) were injured on Saturday afternoon when an arresting gear parted during a routine landing by an E-2C Hawkeye aircraft. 

There were no fatalities and the sailors are listed in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

The injured sailors were working on the flight deck at the time of the mishap. Six have been transported to Norfolk Sentara General Hospital for treatment. Two remain on board.

The aircraft regained flight and returned safely to its base at Norfolk Naval Station Chambers Field. Initial reports are the aircraft was not damaged and no aircrew members were injured.

The ship is off the Virginia coast conducting carrier qualifications for Composite Training Unit and Joint Task Force Exercises in preparation for their upcoming deployment.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident.