Navy pilot experiences physiological episode while flying over Turkey

An F/A-18E Super Hornet experienced a "cabin pressure malfunction" while flying over Turkey during a sortie in support of Operation Inherent Resolve yesterday, the service confirmed to Inside Defense.

The incident was first reported by The War Zone.

The jet was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 136 and embarked aboard the Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). One aviator had hypoxia-like symptoms, and a second Super Hornet with VFA-136 escorted the stricken pilot and both landed safely at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey.

The pilot underwent continuous monitoring by base medical personnel and has returned to the Truman for further medical evaluation and treatment, according to the Navy. The service did not say whether the aircraft itself had returned to the carrier or was still in Turkey. The incident is under investigation.

The House Armed Services Committee will mark up its version of the fiscal year 2019 defense policy bill tomorrow. The chairman's mark includes four physiological-episode related provisions.