FA-18E crashes of Virginia coast - pilot ejects.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - A single-seat Navy FA-18E super hornet crashed 45 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach Wednesday afternoon, the U.S. Coast Guard confirms.

Commander Mike Kafka with Naval Air Atlantic said the jet is part of VFA-143, assigned to Carrier Air Wing 7, and is currently assigned to USS Eisenhower. The flight originated from Oceana Naval Air Station and was conducting routine training exercises when the jet crashed at approximately 2:30 p.m.

Spokesman Petty Officer David Weydert confirmed the pilot ejected and was rescued by a fishing vessel in the area. The pilot was conscious when he was picked up. A Navy MH-60 Sea Hawk responded to the scene and transported the pilot to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where he is currently listed in critical condition, according to Commander Mike Kafka.

WAVY News 10's Lauren Compton observed a person being taken off a Navy helicopter at the hospital around 4 p.m. She reports the person was lying flat on a stretcher, covered with a blanket.