DEVELOPING: Blue Angel F/A-18 Crashes During Air Show Practice

Photo courtesy of Blue Angeles Facebook

Smyrna, TN (NNS) -- A U.S. Navy F/A-18 aircraft assigned to the Navy's Flight Demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, crashed today during the beginning stages of an afternoon practice at the Smyrna, Tennessee Airport, at approximately 3:01 p.m., CDT.

The pilot of the jet was taking off to start the afternoon practice when the mishap occurred.

The name of the pilot is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification requirements.

The other five Blue Angel jets were not involved in the incident and landed safely moments later.

The crash occurred approximately two miles from the runway

The Navy will conduct an investigation into the cause of the crash.

Coast Guard suspends search for Navy Sailor

HONOLULU - The Coast Guard has suspended its search for a Navy sailor Sunday after exhaustive efforts to locate the man who went missing during an open ocean training exercise Tuesday.

Coast Guard, Navy and Marine Corps crews worked with Honolulu Fire Department and Ocean Safety to search an area over 24,000 square miles using aircraft, cutters, small boats and shore personnel.

"In this case, I have the heartbreak of informing not only the family, but a close-knit military community, that a loved one could not be found," said Capt. Joanna Nunan, commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector Honolulu.