Two US Navy aircraft experienced accidents during routine operations today, as confirmed by officials. The incidents occurred on Sunday, October 26, with the first aircraft going down at 2:45 pm followed by the second 30 minutes later at 3:15 pm, according to the US Navy’s Pacific fleet.
The US Navy elaborated on the events but has not yet determined the causes of the crashes. A U.S. Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter from the “Battle Cats” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 crashed into the South China Sea at around 2:45 p.m. local time while operating from the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier. Search and rescue operations successfully recovered 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 went down in the same waters while on routine operations from the Nimitz. Both crew members ejected safely and were recovered by search and rescue teams.
All personnel involved in the incidents are reported safe and in stable condition. Investigations are ongoing to determine the causes of the accidents.