Archive · 6 Oct 2026
USS Eisenhower Returns to Norfolk After Growler Mishap
The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is going back to Naval Station Norfolk after an aircraft accident.
The accident happened while aircraft were being brought back aboard the ship on September 28.
Two aviators had to leave their aircraft using ejection seats.
Rescue workers quickly found them, and both returned to the carrier for medical checks.
Four other people on the ship were also hurt.
The Navy said their injuries were not life-threatening.
Experts will check the affected equipment and make any needed repairs before flights start again.
The Navy says the carrier can still conduct shipboard operations.
The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is returning to Naval Station Norfolk for an assessment after an aviation mishap.
Navy technical experts will inspect affected aircraft systems and equipment and perform necessary maintenance before flight operations resume.
The carrier remains capable of conducting shipboard operations, according to Naval Air Force Atlantic.
The mishap occurred September 28 around 6:18 p.m. ET during aircraft recovery off the Virginia coast; two Carrier Air Wing 3 aviators ejected and were rescued.
Four shipboard personnel were injured; the Navy described the injuries as non-life-threatening, and one sailor was being taken to a Norfolk-area hospital.
- Who
- The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, Naval Air Force Atlantic, two Carrier Air Wing 3 aviators, and injured shipboard personnel.
- What
- The carrier is returning to Naval Station Norfolk for an assessment of aircraft systems and equipment after an aviation mishap.
- When
- The mishap occurred September 28 at about 6:18 p.m. ET; the Navy announced the return on Saturday, October 3.
- Where
- The carrier was conducting aircraft recovery off the Virginia coast and is returning to Naval Station Norfolk.
- Why
- To assess affected systems and equipment and complete any necessary maintenance before flight operations resume.
Return for assessment
Continued shipboard capability
Carrier operations
Return for assessment
The Navy is returning the carrier to port so experts can assess affected systems and complete any necessary maintenance before flight operations resume.
Continued shipboard capability
Naval Air Force Atlantic said the carrier remains capable of conducting shipboard operations.
- Carrier
- USS Dwight D. Eisenhower
- Destination
- Naval Station Norfolk
- Mishap date and time
- September 28, around 6:18 p.m. ET
- Mishap setting
- Aircraft recovery operations off the Virginia coast
- Aviators
- Two Carrier Air Wing 3 aviators ejected and were rescued
- Other injuries
- Four shipboard personnel sustained non-life-threatening injuries
- Next steps
- Technical assessment and any necessary maintenance before flight operations resume
- Operational status
- The carrier remains capable of conducting shipboard operations