"Search teams located the body of the second pilot from one of two missing US Marine Corps F/A-18 aircraft from the (aircraft carrier) USS Carl Vinson," it said in a statement.

"The aircraft had been flying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom when contact was lost at approximately 10:10 pm, May 2. There was no initial indication of hostile fire in the area at the time contact was lost. The incident is under investigation," it added.

NBC News, citing US Navy officials, reported that the jets had been involved in a midair collision.

The body of the first pilot was found early Tuesday in Iraq, the military said Tuesday.