JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- An AV8B Harrier, belonging to the Camp Lejeune, N.C.-based 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), crashed just west of Lake George in the Ocala National Forest, near the town of Salt Springs, Fla., at approximately 8 p.m. July 18.
The jet was based aboard the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and was participating in a composite training unit exercise as part of pre-deployment training for the 26th MEU.
Capt. Jarrod L. Klement, with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266, ejected from the plane and was airlifted to Shands Cancer Hospital at the University of Florida in Gainesville by local authorities.
Klement is in stable condition. He sustained non-life threatening injuries.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
