File Graphic: U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) provides close air support during an offensive air support exercise at Observation Point Feets, Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, Calif., March 29, 2016. The exercise is part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) 2-16, a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) cadre. MAWTS-1 provides standardized tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photograph by SSgt. Artur Shvartsberg, MAWTS-1 COMCAM/Released)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Artur Shvartsberg

Search and rescue effort underway for Marine F/A-18 pilot

7 Dec 2016 | 1st Lt. Joseph Butterfield III Marine Expeditionary Force

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan --

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 pilot ejected from his aircraft today at approximately 6:40 p.m. approximately 120 miles southeast of Iwakuni, Japan.

Search and rescue efforts are currently underway.

The aircraft was assigned to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Okinawa, Japan.

The aircraft was conducting regularly scheduled training at the time of the mishap. The cause of the incident is under investigation. There is no further information at this time.

For additional information contact III Marine Expeditionary Force public affairs.

PAOMedia.MCBB.FCT@usmc.mil

1st Lt. Joseph Butterfield

Public Affairs Officer, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing

DSN: 315-645-3841

Comm: 098-970-3841 (in Japan); +81-98-970-3841 (international)