Two US Navy aircraft experienced crashes during routine operations today, as confirmed by officials. The US Navy’s Pacific fleet reported that the incidents occurred on Sunday, October 26, with the first crash at 2:45 pm followed by the second just 30 minutes later at 3:15 pm. The exact causes of the crashes have not been determined yet.
A U.S. Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter from the “Battle Cats” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 went down in the South China Sea at around 2:45 p.m. local time while operating from the USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Search and rescue teams from Carrier Strike Group 11 successfully rescued all three crew members. Subsequently, at 3:15 p.m., an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter from the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 also crashed in the same area during routine operations from the USS Nimitz. Both crew members ejected safely and were recovered by search and rescue units from Carrier Strike Group 11.
All personnel involved in the incidents are safe and in stable condition. Investigations are ongoing to determine the causes of the crashes.