TOKYO, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. fighter jet crashed off Japan's southern prefecture of Okinawa, the Japan Coast Guard and Defense Ministry said Monday.
According to the officials, the FA-18 aircraft crashed in waters around 290 km from Okinawa, owing to mechanical issues.
The two pilots safety ejected, officials said, and were rescued by a U.S. military helicopter.
The jet belongs to the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier and the accident occurred while the jet was carrying out routine operations in the Philippine Sea, the U.S. 7th Fleet said.
It added that the two crew members were in good condition.
The fleet said that the USS Ronald Reagan has continued with its normal operations.
