UPDATE: The U.S. Navy has confirmed that a fighter jet and a helicopter based on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz crashed into the South China Sea within a shocking 30 minutes of each other. The incidents occurred on Sunday afternoon, raising urgent concerns about the safety of military operations in the region.
Rescue operations were swift, with all five crew members involved in the crashes reported safe and in stable condition. The MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter’s three crew members were quickly rescued, while the two aviators from the F/A-18F Super Hornet successfully ejected and were retrieved shortly thereafter.
The Navy’s Pacific Fleet is currently investigating the causes of these alarming incidents. Initial statements suggest that bad fuel might be a factor, as noted by former President Donald Trump during a press briefing aboard Air Force One en route to Tokyo. Trump stated, “There is nothing to hide,” dismissing any speculation of foul play.
The USS Nimitz (CVN 68), which recently left San Diego Bay on August 19, 2023, is returning to its home port at Naval Base Kitsap in Washington State. This deployment has been critical, as it was part of the U.S. response to attacks on commercial shipping by Yemen’s Houthi rebels earlier this summer. This latest mission marks the carrier’s final deployment before decommissioning.
The recent crashes add to a troubling trend of incidents involving U.S. aircraft carriers, including a series of mishaps on the USS Harry S. Truman during its deployment in the Middle East. Notably, in December, an F/A-18 jet was mistakenly shot down by the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, and there have been multiple incidents of fighter jets falling overboard or experiencing technical failures.
As investigations continue into the latest crashes, the Navy emphasizes that no sailors were killed in any of these recent incidents. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of personnel and the integrity of military operations.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Navy is expected to provide further updates on the investigation into the crashes and the operational status of the USS Nimitz. Military analysts and officials will closely monitor the implications of these incidents on U.S. naval capabilities in the region.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates as this story develops.
