Sam LaGrone – October 3, 2026 8:31 AM
Aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) is returning to Naval Station Norfolk, Va., after a Sept. 28 incident that injured four sailors and resulted in the loss of a EA-18G Growler, USNI News has learned.
The return to port will, “allow for a comprehensive assessment of the ship’s aircraft launch and recovery equipment following the Sept. 28 aviation mishap,” reads an early Saturday morning statement from Naval Air Force Atlantic. “The decision reflects the Navy’s deliberate approach to flight safety and readiness. While the cause of the mishap remains under investigation, Navy technical experts will conduct a thorough assessment of the affected systems and complete any necessary maintenance before flight operations resume.”
The Growler, assigned to the “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 was attempting to land on the carrier when the arresting wire failed and the aircraft failed to stop and went over the edge of Eisenhower.
Four sailors were injured and one was flown to Norfolk for further treatment, the Navy said at the time. USNI News understands the carrier has paused flight operations since the incident.
“USS Dwight D. Eisenhower remains capable of safely navigating and conducting shipboard operations,” reads the statement from AIRLANT.
Eisenhower is in the midst of earlier carrier qualifications following a maintenance period.
The following is the complete Oct. 3, 2026s statement from AIRLANT.
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) will return to Naval Station Norfolk to allow for a comprehensive assessment of the ship’s aircraft launch and recovery equipment following the Sept. 28 aviation mishap.
The decision reflects the Navy’s deliberate approach to flight safety and readiness. While the cause of the mishap remains under investigation, Navy technical experts will conduct a thorough assessment of the affected systems and complete any necessary maintenance before flight operations resume.
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower remains capable of safely navigating and conducting shipboard operations.
Sam LaGrone
Sam LaGrone is the editor of USNI News. He has covered legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, the Canadian Navy, the French Navy and the Spanish Armada.
Email: slagrone@usni.org
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