US Navy Aircraft Crash in South China Sea; All Crew Rescued
A US Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet from the USS Nimitz crashed in the South China Sea during routine operations; all five crew members were safely rescued.
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Overview
- Two US Navy aircraft, an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet, crashed separately during routine operations in the South China Sea.
- The incidents occurred within 30 minutes of each other, originating from the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier, which was conducting operations in the region.
- All five crew members involved in both crashes, three from the helicopter and two from the fighter jet, were successfully rescued by search-and-rescue crews.
- The rescued crew members are reported to be in stable condition, ensuring no loss of life despite the significant aircraft losses.
- The cause of both crashes is currently under investigation, as the USS Nimitz concludes its final deployment before its scheduled decommissioning in 2026.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally, focusing on factual reporting of two separate U.S. Navy aircraft incidents in the South China Sea. They prioritize official statements regarding the crashes, the safe recovery of all personnel, and the ongoing investigation. The coverage provides objective details about the aircraft, the USS Nimitz, and its deployment without employing loaded language or presenting a biased narrative.
"All personnel involved are safe and in stable condition."
USA TODAY"Both crew members successfully ejected from the jet and were rescued, U.S. Pacific Fleet said."
Military Times"All crew members involved are in safe and stable condition, the fleet said."
NBC News"All personnel involved are safe and in stable condition."
ABC News"The causes of the two crashes were under investigation, the statement said."
Associated PressArticles (7)
Center (5)
FAQ
The two crashes involving an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet occurred separately but within approximately 30 minutes of each other during routine flight operations in the South China Sea from the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier.
No casualties were reported; all five crew members from both aircraft were safely rescued and are reported to be in stable condition.
The exact causes of both aircraft crashes are currently under investigation and have not yet been disclosed by the US Navy.
The USS Nimitz was conducting routine maritime and flight operations, including fixed and rotary wing flight evolutions and maritime strike exercises, to maintain U.S. Navy presence and operational proficiency in the Indo-Pacific region.
The USS Nimitz is scheduled for decommissioning in 2026, following the conclusion of its current deployment.
History
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