Aviation News – All five U.S. Navy personnel were safely rescued after an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet from the USS Nimitz crashed into the South China Sea within half an hour of each other, the U.S. Pacific Fleet confirmed. The incident has drawn attention for its rare occurrence involving two aircraft from the same carrier group.
The twin incidents occurred on routine operations from the USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 11. The MH-60R Sea Hawk, assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73 (HSM-73), went down at approximately 2:45 p.m. local time, followed by the F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 22 (VFA-22) about 30 minutes later. All five crew members—three from the Sea Hawk and two from the Super Hornet—were quickly recovered by carrier-based search and rescue teams and are reported to be in stable condition.
The U.S. Navy’s MH-60R and F/A-18F are key assets in maritime operations. The Sea Hawk serves in anti-submarine and surface warfare roles, while the twin-seat Super Hornet provides strike and air superiority capability. Both were operating under normal flight conditions when the incidents occurred, and investigations are now underway to determine the causes.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Pacific Fleet said, “We are grateful for the swift response of the rescue teams and the professionalism of all personnel involved. The safety of our sailors and aviators remains our highest priority.”
The Navy has launched parallel inquiries into both crashes while ensuring operational continuity for Carrier Strike Group 11. Analysts note the events highlight both the risks of carrier aviation and the effectiveness of naval rescue and safety protocols.
All personnel are expected to return to duty after medical evaluations. While the cause of the crashes remains under investigation, officials emphasize that such incidents, though rare, underscore the demanding nature of naval aviation operations in one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime regions.
Photo Rob Vogelaar
