US Navy aircraft crash in South China Sea

Two US Navy aircraft crashed into the South China Sea in separate incidents on Sunday, though no fatalities were reported, officials confirmed.

According to the US Navy’s Pacific Fleet, the first crash involved an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter that went down during routine operations from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. All three crew members were rescued by search and rescue teams.

Roughly thirty minutes later, a Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet also crashed into the sea while conducting routine operations from the same carrier. Both crew members safely ejected and were recovered.

“All personnel involved are safe and in stable condition,” the Navy said, adding that investigations into both incidents are underway.

The crashes occurred as US President Donald Trump continued his first trip to Asia during his second term, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth prepared for a regional tour.

Earlier this year, two US Navy warplanes were lost from the USS Harry S. Truman while operating in the Middle East.

SR