Sunday was a difficult day for the US Navy when two US Navy aircraft crashed in the South China Sea.
The separate incidents involved an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet, both operating from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68).
The accidents occurred about 30 minutes apart during routine operations, according to the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The Sea Hawk is assigned to the “battle cats”of the Helicopter Maritime Attack Squadron 73, while the Super Hornet belongs to the “Fighting the red roosters” from Strike Fighter Squadron 22.
Two US Navy planes crash into South China Sea, minutes apart
The Pacific Fleet said the first incident took place at 2:45 p.m. local time, when the MH-60R Sea Hawk sank while conducting routine operations from the Nimitz. Carrier Strike Group 11 search and rescue teams quickly launched recovery efforts and successfully recovered all three crew members.
In its official statement, the US Pacific Fleet said:
“At approximately 2:45 p.m. local time, a U.S. Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the ‘Battle Cats’ of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73, sank in the waters of the South China Sea while conducting routine operations from the aircraft carrier. Search and rescue resources assigned to Carrier Strike Group 11 recovered shape safe for the three crew members.
Approximately 30 minutes later, at 3:15 p.m. local time, an F/A-18F Super Hornet of the Fighting Redcocks of VFA-22 also went down.
“Both crew members were successfully ejected and were also safely recovered by search and rescue resources assigned to Carrier Strike Group 11,” the Pacific Fleet added.
All five service members involved in Sunday’s incidents were safely recovered and are in stable condition aboard the Nimitz.
Final journey of a legend
The U.S.S. NimitzThe oldest active aircraft carrier in the US fleet, it is on the return leg of its final deployment before decommissioning. The carrier, along with its escorts and embarked Carrier Air Wing 17, departed the West Coast on 26 March 2025 for what would be its last major operational tour.
Throughout the summer, the Nimitz operated in the Middle East, supporting US efforts to deter Houthi attacks on commercial shipping. The ship entered the South China Sea on October 17, just days before Sunday’s incidents.
Both the Sea Hawk and the Super Hornet were conducting “routine operations” in a region of disputed waters that China claims as its own.
Beijing’s response
China’s Foreign Ministry offered humanitarian assistance to the United States following the incidents, but also used the moment to criticize Washington’s continued military presence in the region.
The U.S. Navy maintains operations there to support regional allies and challenge China’s sovereignty claims, part of the ongoing effort to preserve freedom of navigation through one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.
The timing of the incidents is notable: They occurred just days before President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tokyo on October 30.
“There is nothing to hide,” says President Trump
Speaking aboard Air Force One on Monday, October 27, while en route from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Tokyo, President Trump said he had been briefed on both incidents and that no foul play is suspected.
“They’ll let me know very soon,” Trump told reporters. “I think they should be able to figure it out. It could be bad fuel. I mean, it’s possible it’s bad fuel. That would be very unusual.”
The president added that there was “nothing to hide” and that the US Navy would publish the results once the investigation is concluded.
the powerful Nimitz
Now in its 50th year of service, the USS Nimitz It remains a floating symbol of American sea power. Measuring 1,092 feet from bow to stern and displacing approximately 100,000 tons when fully loaded, the aircraft carrier is powered by two Westinghouse A4W nuclear reactors driving four shafts, giving it a top speed of more than 30 knots.
The ship typically carries more than 5,000 people, including both the ship’s company and members of the air wing. Nimitz-class aircraft carriers can operate continuously for up to 20 years without refueling.
A worrying trend
Sunday’s loss marks the fourth F/A-18 incident for the US Navy this year.
In December, an F/A-18 from the USS Truman was accidentally shot down in a friendly fire incident involving the USS Gettysburga guided missile cruiser.
In April, another Super Hornet escaped from the Truman flight deck towards the Red Sea.
In May, a landing plane missed the arresting cables and fell into the water.
Despite these setbacks, the Navy’s quick response on Sunday ensured that all crew members returned home alive.
Fast action, steadfast sailors and airmen
The efficiency and professionalism of the US Navy was fully demonstrated after both accidents. Within minutes, Carrier Strike Group 11 search and rescue teams located and recovered the five service members.
All personnel involved are safe, stable and back on board the Nimitz as the ship continues its journey home.
We salute the men and women of the United States Navy for their swift action, their bravery, and their commitment to bringing all sailors and airmen home safely.
