The first incident occurred at approximately 2:45 p.m. local time, when a U.S. Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the “Battle Cats” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 went down in the waters while operating from the Nimitz. Search and rescue teams from Carrier Strike Group 11 (CSG-11) quickly responded and successfully recovered all three crew members.
Just thirty minutes later, a second aircraft, an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter from the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, also went down in the same region during flight operations. Both pilots ejected safely and were recovered shortly after by rescue teams from the Nimitz.
All crew safe and stable
The U.S. Pacific Fleet confirmed in its statement that all five crew members three from the MH-60R and two from the Super Hornet were safely recovered and are in stable condition. The prompt response of search and rescue units under CSG-11 ensured the survival of all personnel despite the close timing of both incidents.
No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Cause Under Investigation
The Navy has launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the two unrelated incidents. Both aircraft were operating under normal flight routines when they went down. Officials have not reported any signs of hostile activity or external interference, though mechanical and environmental factors are being examined.
Simultaneous or near-simultaneous flight mishaps within the same carrier strike group are rare, and such incidents often trigger comprehensive reviews of flight operations, maintenance procedures, and safety protocols aboard deployed carriers.
USS Nimitz and its role in the region
The USS Nimitz is one of the U.S. Navy’s longest-serving nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and serves as the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 11, part of the U.S. Seventh Fleet. The group routinely operates in the Indo-Pacific region, including the contested waters of the South China Sea, to maintain freedom of navigation and regional stability.
These waters are frequently patrolled by U.S. Navy vessels as part of efforts to uphold international maritime law and ensure open access for global trade routes.
Implications for regional operations
While all personnel are safe, the dual incidents underscore the operational challenges faced by carrier air wings conducting high-tempo operations in one of the world’s most strategic and congested maritime zones. Even under routine conditions, naval flight operations remain among the most dangerous missions in peacetime military service.
Defense observers note that despite such setbacks, Carrier Strike Group 11 remains fully operational and continues to project U.S. naval presence in the Indo-Pacific. Investigations into the causes of both crashes are ongoing.
Official statement
“All personnel involved are safe and in stable condition. The cause of both incidents is currently under investigation,”
U.S. Pacific Fleet, October 26, 2025
Summary
•Date: October 26, 2025
•Location: South China Sea
Aircraft Involved:
•MH-60R Sea Hawk (HSM-73 “Battle Cats”)
•F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-22 “Fighting Redcocks”)
Carrier: USS Nimitz (CVN-68), part of Carrier Strike Group 11
•Crew Members: Five (all recovered safely)
Status: Stable; investigation ongoing
Sources:
U.S. Pacific Fleet (Official Facebook statement)
USNI News
ABC7 News
BNO News
Fox News
Task & Purpose