Tokyo ( CNN ) -- A Japanese helicopter plucked the pilot of a U.S. fighter jet from the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday after an unspecified problem forced him to eject in mid-flight . The F-15 jet , from the U.S. Air Force 's Kadena base on the island of Okinawa , developed the problem on Tuesday morning , the U.S. Air Force said . The pilot , whose name has not been disclosed , is reported to have ejected safely about 70 miles ( 110 kilometers ) east of Okinawa around 9 a.m. , according to the Air Force . A Japan Self Defense Force helicopter rescued the pilot , who was floating in the ocean with the aid of a life raft , the Japanese Coast Guard said . It did n't provide any details on the pilot 's condition . The Air Force said the cause of the crash will be investigated .
The jet from a U.S. base on Okinawa develops a problem over the ocean . A Japanese fighter plane is shot down by an American F-15 fighter. A Japan Self Defense Force helicopter retrieves him from the water .