2 Navy Fliers Rescued in Ocean Crash

Two U.S. Navy fliers were reported in good condition after parachuting from their F-14 jet fighter before it crashed into the Pacific, Navy officials said. The names of the fliers, from the aircraft carrier Ranger, were not released. They were on a routine training mission 400 miles southwest of San Diego when the plane went down for unknown reasons, according to Navy spokesman Fred Larsen. The $30-million plane was from the Ranger’s Fighter Squadron 1, which is stationed at Miramar Naval Air Station when the San Diego-based carrier is in port, Larsen said. The fliers ejected safely from the disabled plane and were in the water for about 25 minutes before being picked up about 36 miles from the carrier by a rescue helicopter. The cause of the crash is under investigation.