(The Center Square) – The U.S. Navy says it has recovered more than 25,000 pounds of wreckage from the EA-18G Growler fighter jet that crashed Feb. 12 in San Diego Bay.
The work started Feb. 16 and is on track to finish by Sunday, Navy spokesman Lt. Mohammad Issa told The Center Square Wednesday.
Recovery is being done by the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Company 3-8, whose members are assigned to Explosive Ordnance Mobile Unit 3. The operation also involves contractors who partner with the Navy, and various Navy teams are providing help.
Civilian vessels aren’t being allowed in the Shelter Island basin through the southwestern portion of the channel until the work concludes. Issa said he expects civilian vessels will be able to go through the basin starting Monday, but added that’s subject to change.
Issa said he didn’t know how much wreckage is left to recover, but noted an EA-18G Growler weighs 32,000 lbs. with no cargo.
The wreckage is spread across a 13,000-square-foot debris area, according to the Navy.
The two Navy pilots in the EA-18G Growler survived the crash and were soon reported to be in good condition after being taken to UC San Diego Medical Center.
Vice Adm. John Wade, commander of the U.S. 3rd Fleet, said the Navy’s top priority for recovery is a careful effort that safeguards everyone involved, including residents, service members and the Navy’s partners.
“I could not be prouder of the tireless efforts of our Navy divers and the greater team supporting the salvage,” Wade said last week in a statement. “The Navy calls San Diego home, and we appreciate the community’s patience as we work diligently to recover the wreckage, mitigate environmental effects, and restore normal operations in the channel as swiftly and safely as possible.”
