Two U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets collided over the Western Pacific Friday, resulting in the loss of both jets-one pilot has been rescued. A search is underway for the other pilot. A cruiser, destroyer and helicopters are currently conducting the search for the missing pilot. The aircraft were operating off the carrier USS Carl Vinson, which is on its way to the Persian Gulf to relieve the USS George H. W. Bush, which is launching aircraft for combat missions over Iraq. Both jets are from Carrier Air Wing 17, the Navy said.
