Two Navy F/A-18 fighter jets crashed after taking off from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson while operating at sea in the western Pacific Ocean.

One of the pilots was quickly located and brought aboard the carrier for medical attention. Search efforts continue for the second pilot. No names were released.

Two F/A-18 fighter jets have crashed into the western Pacific Ocean after after taking off from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson. Here two fighters take off for a mission in Iraq from the USS George HW Bush in the Persian Gulf. Credit:AP

The Hornets - both of which have not been recovered - were from Carrier Air Wing 17 embarked on the USS Carl Vinson.

The guided-missile cruiser Bunker Hill, guided-missile destroyer Gridley and helicopters are scouring the ocean in the hunt.