Two U.S. Navy aircraft operating from the USS Nimitz went down within 30 minutes of each other during separate routine missions over the South China Sea, the U.S. Pacific Fleet confirmed in a statement on Sunday.
The first incident occurred around 2:45 p.m. local time, when an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter crashed into the sea. All three crew members were quickly recovered and are reported to be in stable condition, according to Navy officials.
F/A-18F Super Hornet Also Crashes
Roughly 30 minutes later, at 3:15 p.m., an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet assigned to the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 also went down during routine operations from the same carrier.
Both aviators successfully ejected from the jet and were rescued shortly after. Officials emphasized that all personnel involved in both incidents are safe.
Investigation Underway
The U.S. Pacific Fleet confirmed that both aircraft were conducting standard flight operations at the time. Investigations are underway to determine the causes of the crashes.
“All personnel involved are safe and in stable condition. The cause of both incidents is currently under investigation,” the Fleet said in its statement.
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Context and Operational Background
The USS Nimitz, one of the Navy’s largest and most capable aircraft carriers, regularly conducts patrols and exercises in the Indo-Pacific region to maintain a U.S. presence and ensure freedom of navigation in international waters.
Although rare, mid-mission equipment malfunctions or weather conditions can sometimes lead to aviation mishaps, prompting detailed reviews by the Navy’s aviation safety command.
Source:
Two US Navy aircraft go down 30 minutes apart – Independent.co.uk
