The Navy’s two Meridian, Mississippi-based Training Squadrons 7 and 9 have resumed training flights after a one-day pause following Sunday’s fatal crash of a T-45 training jet in Tennessee.

“VT-7 and VT-9 had a stand down yesterday,” said Lt. Elizabeth Feaster, spokeswoman for the Chief of Naval Air Training. “They are flying again today.”

The two squadrons together make up Training Air Wing One. As of the end of August, the two squadrons were made up of a total of 85 student pilots and 59 instructor pilots, Feaster said.

RELATED

During the stand-down, both squadron’s members were able “to discuss the Sunday incident,” Feaster said, adding that members of “VT-7 and also those in VT-9 were given access to local chaplain and fleet and family support services.”

After originally being reported missing on Sunday when the aircraft failed to return to Meridian, the aircraft was located by investigators Monday morning. Both crew members died in the crash.

RELATED

Feaster said that the Navy is investigating the crash, though it was too early for speculation.

Crews of the T-45 have been plagued by cockpit oxygen problems, called physiological episodes. The Navy has appointed a team to investigate PEs and search for long-term solutions.

The Navy will not release the names of the deceased pilots until 24 hours after next-of-kin notification.

About Mark D. Faram

Mark D. Faram is a former reporter for Navy Times. He was a senior writer covering personnel, cultural and historical issues. A nine-year active duty Navy veteran, Faram served from 1978 to 1987 as a Navy Diver and photographer.

Share:
In Other News
Load More