'Relentless' search is on for 3 missing after U.S. Navy aircraft crashes into Philippine Sea

Show Caption Hide Caption 8 rescued in U.S. Navy plane crash, 3 still missing A mad-dash rescue effort off the coast of Japan is underway, after a US Navy plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean.

An intense air and sea search was underway for three missing U.S. service members after a Navy aircraft plunged into the Philippine Sea on Wednesday, the Navy said.

The C2-A Greyhound cargo plane with 11 people aboard crashed while conducting a routine transport flight from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni to the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, the Navy said. Eight survivors, plucked from the sea by Navy helicopters, were taken to the carrier and reported to be in good condition.

"Our entire focus is on finding all of our sailors," said Rear Adm. Marc Dalton. "U.S. and Japanese ships and aircraft are searching the area of the crash, and we will be relentless in our efforts."

The crash occurred about 500 miles southeast of Okinawa at 2:45 p.m. Japan time, the Navy said.

President Trump tweeted: "The @USNavy is conducting search and rescue following aircraft crash. We are monitoring the situation. Prayers for all involved."

The @USNavy is conducting search and rescue following aircraft crash. We are monitoring the situation. Prayers for all involved. https://t.co/1AxmegKqvu — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 22, 2017

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said the Senate Armed Service Committee was closely monitoring the ongoing investigation to determine what happened.

"Praying for all involved in @USNavy aircraft crash as search & rescue efforts continue," he tweeted.

The military said the names of those involved were being withheld until their families have been informed. The cause of the crash was not immediately known.

The Ronald Reagan is participating in Annual Exercise 2017, a joint training program wrapping up Sunday between the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

More: Navy: Two deadly destroyer crashes could have been prevented

More: U.S. Navy dismisses 7th Fleet commander after deadly crash

The 7th Fleet has had two fatal accidents in Asian waters this year, leaving 17 sailors dead and leading to the removal of eight Navy officers from their posts, including the 7th Fleet commander.

The USS John S. McCain and an oil tanker collided near Singapore in August, leaving 10 U.S. sailors dead. Seven sailors died in June when the USS Fitzgerald and a container ship collided off Japan.

The Navy concluded that the collisions were avoidable and resulted from widespread failures by the crews and commanders, who didn’t quickly recognize and respond to unfolding emergencies.

A Navy report recommended numerous changes to address the problems, including improved training to increasing sleep and stress management for sailors.

Contributing: The Associated Press