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Navy identifies aviators killed in Florida jet crash

VFA-213, the "Blacklions," mourned the loss of fellow squadron members who died after a Super Hornet crashed off of Key West.

NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- A Navy spokesman released the names of two Oceana-based aviators whose F/A-18F Super Hornet crashed off the coast of Florida Thursday night.

The aviators have been identified as Lt. Cmdr. James Brice Johnson and Lt. Caleb Nathaniel King, both Florida residents.

The jet, which is assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron Two One Three (VFA-213) at Naval Air Station Oceana, went down during training Wednesday afternoon.

The Super Hornet was on approach to Boca Chica Field at Naval Air Station Key West at the time.

Cmdr. Dave Hecht with Naval Air Force Atlantic said the squadron took the day off from training to grieve the loss of the pilot and weapons system officer. He added that remaining squadrons in Carrier Air Wing EIGHT were briefed on the mishap. Those squadrons resumed normal training operations.

The F/A-18F still was in the water where it crashed. A Mishap Investigation Board (MIB) is conducting an investigation. The MIB looks at previous aircraft maintenance, number of hours flown on the aircraft, physical condition of the aircrew, and the aircrew's activities prior to the mishap.

VFA-213 is scheduled to complete its training in Key West on March 21, then return to Naval Air Station Oceana.

“The entire Blacklion Family is grieving the loss of two great Americans. Lt. Cmdr. Johnson and Lt. King were phenomenal young men, exceptional Naval Aviators, and were living models of what Honor, Courage, and Commitment really mean,” said VFA-213’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Kevin Robb.

Johnson was a Naval Aviator and 2007 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He was piloting the jet when the incident occurred.

King was a 2012 U.S. Naval Academy graduate serving as the Weapons Systems Operator.

“As warfighters they excelled in combat, as Naval Officers they exemplified the qualities of what our Navy values most dear. I was extremely proud to have led, flown, and served with both Brice and Caleb,” Robb said. “I would ask that during this trying time we all keep the families of our two heroes in our thoughts and prayers.”

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