Navy Aircraft Crash in South China Sea in Separate Incidents
Two U.S. Navy aircraft – a helicopter and a fighter jet – crashed in the South China Sea on Oct. 26, the Navy’s Pacific Fleet reported. All personnel involved were safely recovered.
A MH-60R Seahawk helicopter whent down at approximately 2:45 p.m.local time “while conducting routine operations from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz,” according to a Navy statement posted on social media. The helicopter was assigned to the “Battle Cats” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73. Search-and-rescue crews rescued all three crew members.
Following the helicopter incident, an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet, assigned to the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, also crashed in the South China sea “while conducting routine operations from Nimitz.” Both crew members of the fighter jet successfully ejected and were recovered.
“All personnel involved are safe and in stable condition,” the Navy stated. The cause of both incidents is currently under investigation.
The USS Nimitz, one of the largest warships in the world and the oldest American aircraft carrier in active service, is on the return leg of its final deployment before decommissioning in 2026. The carrier departed the West Coast on March 26 and entered the South china sea on Oct. 17, according to USNI News, the nonprofit news service of the Naval Institute.
