Official statements on VB F-18 crash

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Below are official statements released by government officials on the jet crash that occurred in Virginia Beach on April 6.

---

Virginia Beach Mayor William D. Sessoms

"Right now we need to let the first responders do their jobs, so that we can find out more information about what happened, and where we need to go from here. I'm so proud of how quickly and effectively Virginia Beach's police, fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene of this horrific crash. Their dedication to their jobs, to saving lives, and to public safety is commendable, and we are lucky to have such heroes working for this fine city every day."

---

Governor Bob McDonnell

"... as you know you know I have lived in Virginia Beach for 21 years. I lived a just couple of miles from the site of that crash, also in the flight path. You know the great pride our community has in having that Master Jet Base and the great Navy Base in Norfolk. This is obviously a great tragedy. It looks like the pilots did everything they could and exhibited great skill before they ejected. I have been in touch with the mayor on several occasions, the congressmen, the state police and the Navy to offer all the assistance that we can offer we have here at the State level. I know the police and the Hazmat teams are on the scene as well. Now I think the critical stage is going into the building with the smoke and the fires have subsided to see if there are any casualties. But the initial reports certainly seem to be good. But it is obviously a tragedy for the community."

---

Congressman Scott Rigell (VA-2)

Our prayers are with our entire Hampton Roads and military communities right now as our first responders are admirably addressing the situation on the ground.  I have spoken with Governor McDonnell, Mayor Sessoms, and leadership at Naval Air Station Oceana, and my office and I stand ready to assist as appropriate.

---

Senator Jeffrey L. McWaters (R-Virginia Beach)

At 12:05 today, an F/A-18 assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 crashed into the Mayfair Mews Apartments just off Birdneck Road in Virginia Beach, about a mile from my office. Initial reports indicate that both members of the aircrew safely ejected from the aircraft and at least one is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The emergency response teams from Virginia Beach and Oceana have done an outstanding job coordinating their response. Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital is presently reporting that it is treating five civilians as a direct result of this accident. I have spoken with Mayor Sessoms, Governor McDonnell's office and Representative Rigell. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this accident

---

Senator Mark R. Warner (D-Va.)

"All of us are grateful for the quick and effective efforts of Virginia Beach emergency personnel to assist dozens of residents who sustained damage or loss.

"What is truly remarkable are the multiple stories of neighbors and bystanders who sprang into action immediately, without regard to their own safety, to assist our military pilots and help our first responders. Virginians have a proud tradition of strong support for our military, and the men and women who serve in Hampton Roads are our neighbors, friends and family members.

"By all accounts, this flight crew took extraordinary action in an effort to minimize casualties on the ground, and all of us are grateful for that. I expect this accident will be thoroughly investigated by Navy officials, and I will continue to monitor events as they develop."

---

U.S. Fleet Forces Statement

Statement by Adm. John C. Harvey, Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF), regarding VFA 106 F/A-18D crash today in Virginia Beach:

My thoughts and prayers are with our citizens and families who have been impacted by the tragic crash today in Virginia Beach by an aircraft from NAS Oceana.

I deeply regret that some in our community have lost their homes, and I, like many, pray for the well-being of all.

I must also offer my deepest gratitude to the citizens of Virginia Beach and the Mayfair Mews Apartments, as well as Virginia Beach's first responders, for their immediate and heroic response to take care of our aircrew after they ejected and all at the scene of the mishap.

I have spoken with Mayor Sessoms, and all the resources of the Navy in Hampton Roads are being made available to the City of Virginia Beach as we all deal with the impacts and recovery from this terrible mishap.

We will continue to work directly with the City of Virginia Beach and continue to provide all possible assistance.

We will conduct a complete investigation into the cause of this mishap and share all information we have as soon as we are able to do so.

---

Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott

"My office has been informed of the jet crash in Virginia Beach today. While information is still developing, my thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted. I will work closely with