US Navy Sea Hawk helicopter Super Hornet jet crash South China Sea

Two U.S. Navy aircraft, a MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet, crashed separately in the South China Sea while conducting routine operations from the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier. The incidents occurred about 30 minutes apart, with the helicopter going down around 2:45 p.m. and the fighter jet at approximately 3:15 p.m. All five crew members from both aircraft were safely recovered by search and rescue teams and are in stable condition. Both aircraft were part of Carrier Strike Group 11, currently operating in the South China Sea. The U.S. Pacific Fleet has stated that the causes of the crashes are under investigation, but no further details about weather or mechanical issues have been provided. These incidents highlight the risks involved in routine naval operations in contested waters.