Caleb King Former Naval Academy football player killed in fighter jet crash
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Caleb King Former Naval Academy football player and Lt. Cmdr. Brice Johnson are the two aviator who died on Wednesday when their fighter jet dual-seated F/A-18 Super Hornet crashed in shallow waters near Key West, Fla., during a training flight
U.S. Naval Air Forces said f18 fighter jet was making its final approach toward Naval Air Station Key West at about 4:30 p.m. when their jet went down about a mile from the runway. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
“Our hearts and deepest condolences go out to the entire King family,” Navy Coach Ken Niumatalolo said in a release. “We lost a dear brother and warrior. The entire Navy Football Brotherhood mourns the passing of a great American. We love you Caleb!”
King, 30, made six starts and saw action in 38 games as a 6-foot, 223-pound inside linebacker for the Midshipmen from 2009-11, and he was also a key contributor on special teams.
Navy went 4-0 against Army during the Port Orange, Fla., native’s four years in Annapolis.
King and Johnson were assigned to the Blacklions of Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-213.
According to the Sentinel, King’s nickname within the squadron was Juggernaut “because he needed to be measured to make sure he’d fit in the cockpit.”
