A mishap during aircraft recovery on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower resulted in injuries to four service members on September 28, 2026. An EA-18G Growler from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, known as the ‘Zappers’, experienced an arresting gear failure while approaching the flight deck of the Nimitz-class carrier off the Virginia coast. The two-person crew ejected safely and was retrieved by Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7. Eight Sailors were assessed by medical personnel; one was transported to a Norfolk hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, while the two aviators and two additional Sailors received treatment aboard the ship before being flown to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth for further evaluation. The carrier was conducting early carrier qualifications following a July repair period and had departed Naval Station Norfolk earlier that day. The Navy confirmed the incident occurred at approximately 6:18 p.m. EDT. The cause of the mishap remains under investigation, and updates will be issued as new details emerge.