The US Navy said Saturday it had ended search-and-rescue efforts for the missing pilot of one of the two F/A-18C Hornet aircraft that crashed Friday over the western Pacific Ocean.

One pilot was recovered by a helicopter shortly after the crash at approximately 250 nautical miles (about 370 km) off the coast of Wake Island, while another went missing, said the US Navy 7th Fleet in a news release, adding that the missing pilot had been presumed deceased after an extensive search.

"This is an exceptionally difficult time for the friends and family of the missing pilot and the Navy community," said Christopher Grady, commander of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group.

"We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support from the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy," he said.

The two F/A-18C aircraft collided Friday in mid air about seven miles (about 11 km) from the Carl Vinson aircraft carrier shortly after they were launched from the flight deck.

The identity of the missing pilot will not be released until the family notification process is complete. The cause of the accident remains unknown as an investigation is under way.