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Fighter jets aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (photo from 2018)
Photo: Matt Cardy/Getty Images
US forces have recovered a sunken fighter jet in the Mediterranean.
As the Navy's Europe and Africa Association announced, the F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter was brought to the surface on August 3 from a depth of around 2900 meters.
The jet was blown off the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman on July 8 during "unexpectedly heavy weather in the Mediterranean".
According to the Navy, a special team for diving and salvage operations was used in the action.
Because of the great depth, special equipment had to be used.
With the remote-controlled underwater rescue device CURV-21, hoisting ropes were first attached to the jet lying on the seabed, then it was lifted on board the multifunctional ship "Everest".
According to the Navy, the jet was located quickly
The Navy described the salvage as a success and particularly emphasized the speed with which it was carried out.
It was possible to locate the jet within 24 hours, and the operation was completed just 27 days after it went overboard.
According to the US Army, the fighter jet should first be brought ashore at a nearby military facility and then transported back to the United States.
The jet blown off the deck isn't the US Navy's first mishap.
In January, a fighter jet crashed while approaching a US aircraft carrier in the South China Sea.
The Navy had then also announced a quick rescue operation - probably also so that the military equipment does not fall into the hands of the Chinese army.
A US nuclear submarine had previously collided with an underwater elevation in the South China Sea, injuring several sailors.
According to the Navy, the collision could have been avoided.
According to media reports, three responsible officers had to vacate their posts.
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