Two US Navy aircraft crash in South China Sea; all crew rescued

Two separate incidents occurred in the South China Sea involving U.S. Navy aircraft operating from the USS Nimitz. An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter crashed during a routine operation, with all three crew members safely recovered. Approximately 30 minutes later, an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet also went down, and both crew members ejected safely and were rescued. The U.S. Navy has launched investigations into the causes of both crashes. These incidents happen amid heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, with ongoing territorial disputes involving China and several Southeast Asian nations. The crashes coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Asia during his second term and the upcoming tour of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the region.