Super Hornet crashes near Trona, Calif.; Navy pilot killed—Update: Pilot Identified

by Commander, Naval Air Forces Public Affairs

05 June 2022 SAN DIEGO -- U.S. Navy pilot Lt. Richard Bullock was killed when his F/A-18E Super Hornet crashed in the vicinity of Trona, Calif., at approximately 2:30 p.m. (PDT), June 3.  

Bullock was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113 based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif., and was flying a routine training mission at the time before his aircraft went down in a remote, unpopulated area. No civilians were harmed as a result of this incident.

The incident is currently under investigation and the scene of the crash is secured by Navy and local authorities while recovery efforts are ongoing.

The Navy mourns this tragic loss alongside the family, friends and shipmates of Lt. Bullock.