Two US Navy aircraft from USS Nimitz crash into South China Sea in separate incidents; all five crew rescued
On Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, an MH-60R Sea Hawk and an F/A-18F Super Hornet operating from USS Nimitz crashed into the South China Sea in separate incidents; all five crew were rescued and are reported in stable condition.
Key takeaways
- Two separate mishaps: an MH-60R Sea Hawk (HSM-73) at ~2:45 p.m. and an F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-22) at ~3:15 p.m. during routine carrier operations.
- All crew recovered: three Sea Hawk personnel and two Super Hornet aircrew were rescued by carrier strike group teams and are stable.
- Investigations open: U.S. Pacific Fleet and Navy officials confirmed both incidents and have launched formal inquiries; initial statements call them unrelated.
- Aircraft lost at sea: both airframes are considered lost pending recovery; USS Nimitz was operating in the South China Sea on deployment.
Main report
What happened: timeline and immediate response
At about 2:45 p.m. local time on Oct. 26, an MH-60R Sea Hawk from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73 (HSM-73, “Battle Cats”) went down while conducting routine flight operations from the flight deck of USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Carrier Strike Group 11 search-and-rescue teams responded immediately and recovered three crewmembers from the water; they were returned to the ship for medical evaluation.
Roughly 30 minutes later, at about 3:15 p.m., an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 22 (VFA-22, “Fighting Redcocks”) experienced a mishap and went down in the same general area. Both aircrew ejected and were recovered by strike group rescue teams and were treated aboard the carrier; both are reported in stable condition.
Navy confirmation and investigation
U.S. Pacific Fleet and other Navy officials confirmed both incidents through official channels and social media, stating that formal investigations are underway. Initial Navy statements emphasize the events occurred during routine operations and that the incidents are being treated as unrelated. Investigators will review maintenance records, flight data, and eyewitness accounts; no causes have been released.
Officials said the crashes occurred during routine flight operations and that formal inquiries have been opened to determine causes.
Operational context: South China Sea and the USS Nimitz
The mishaps occurred while USS Nimitz was transiting the Indo-Pacific region and operating in the South China Sea — a frequent focus of U.S. freedom-of-navigation operations and heightened maritime tension. The loss of two carrier-based aircraft in a single day is uncommon and follows several high-profile naval aviation mishaps in recent years.
What we know about the crews and equipment
The MH-60R Sea Hawk is a multi-mission helicopter used for anti-submarine warfare, search-and-rescue, and surface warfare support. The F/A-18F Super Hornet is a two-seat, carrier-capable strike fighter. Navy teams recovered all five crewmembers; medical personnel evaluated them aboard Nimitz and reported their condition as stable. Both aircraft remain unaccounted for at sea pending salvage or recovery operations.
Accounts and reporting
Multiple news outlets have reported the timeline and details based on shipboard statements and strike group sources. See reporting from The Aviationist, Stars and Stripes, and Fox News. Video of shipboard activity and search-and-rescue response has circulated online (shipboard rescue video).
Investigative questions moving forward
- Potential factors: investigators will examine maintenance, human factors, mechanical failure, training, and environmental conditions.
- Systemic review: because two incidents occurred on the same carrier within a short window, oversight bodies will likely probe for systemic issues despite early statements that they appear unrelated.
- Congressional interest: lawmakers may request briefings given equipment losses and implications for carrier aviation safety and readiness.
Implications for San Diego, California
San Diego — a major hub for the U.S. Pacific Fleet and aviation support — could see ripple effects from the loss of two carrier aircraft. Economic impacts may touch regional contractors and maintenance depots. Political leaders and the congressional delegation may press for answers on safety and maintenance oversight. Social effects include increased anxiety among Navy families and use of Fleet and Family Support resources. There is no indication of a public safety threat to San Diego residents related to these incidents.
Sources and reporting notes
- The Aviationist — timeline and unit identifications.
- Stars and Stripes — rescue operations and official confirmation.
- Fox News — statements and initial reporting.
- Available video of shipboard rescue activity: shipboard rescue video.
Status and next steps
Investigations by the Navy will determine causes and offer recommendations. Meanwhile, the rescued aircrew remain in stable condition, and the carrier strike group continues operations while attending to personnel safety and welfare. Officials will release formal findings as inquiries proceed.
