US Navy Confirms Safe Recovery of Crew After Helicopter and Fighter Jet Crashes in South China Sea
A US Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet experienced separate crashes during routine operations over the South China Sea on Sunday, according to a confirmation by the US Pacific Fleet. Thankfully, all personnel aboard both aircraft were successfully rescued, and no casualties were reported.
The Navy's report indicated that the MH-60R Sea Hawk, part of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 known as the “Battle Cats,” crashed at approximately 2:45 p.m. local time. The incident occurred while the helicopter was operating from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. Search-and-rescue teams quickly retrieved the three crew members aboard the helicopter.
About 30 minutes after the first incident, an F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, known as the “Fighting Redcocks,” also went down while conducting flight operations from the same carrier. Both pilots ejected safely and were recovered in stable condition.
The US Navy has announced an investigation into the causes of both accidents. These incidents coincided with US President Donald Trump's visit to Asia for the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, where discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on trade and regional security are expected.
Amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing, following recent economic measures by both countries, the timing of the crashes has attracted attention. The South China Sea, where military activity has been on the rise, remains a focal point of strategic competition.
The USS Nimitz, one of the largest and oldest aircraft carriers globally, is slated for decommissioning next year. These incidents add to a series of mishaps involving US Navy aircraft this year, including the loss of two Super Hornets in the Red Sea and additional warplanes from the USS Harry S. Truman in the Middle East.
With each F/A-18 fighter jet costing over $60 million, these events highlight the significant operational challenges faced by carrier-based aviation in contested regions.
