Two Navy aircraft from USS Nimitz crash into South China Sea; all five crew rescued, investigations under way
Two U.S. Navy aircraft — an MH-60R Sea Hawk and an F/A-18F Super Hornet — crashed into the South China Sea during USS Nimitz flight operations on Oct. 26, 2025; all five crew were rescued and are reported in stable condition.
- Both aircraft lost: an MH-60R Sea Hawk (HSM-73) and an F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-22).
- All five crew rescued: three helicopter crew and two jet pilots recovered and reported in stable condition.
- Separate mishaps: incidents occurred roughly 30 minutes apart during routine carrier flight operations.
- Investigations ongoing: Navy inquiries have been opened; no causes released yet.
What happened
According to Navy and media reports, the two mishaps were separate events occurring roughly 30 minutes apart while the USS Nimitz conducted routine flight operations over open water. The MH-60R Sea Hawk, assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73 (HSM-73), entered the sea at about 2:45 p.m. local time and all three crewmembers were recovered by shipboard teams. (Sources: TheAviationist; Stars and Stripes.)
About 30 minutes later, at approximately 3:15 p.m., an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 22 (VFA-22) crashed into the sea. Both pilots ejected and were retrieved by carrier search-and-rescue assets. The U.S. Pacific Fleet confirmed the rescues and the stable condition of all five personnel. (Sources: TheAviationist; ABC30; Stars and Stripes.)
Rescue and response
Carrier Strike Group 11 search-and-rescue teams carried out the recoveries. Officials credited those teams and the carrier’s rescue procedures for the successful recoveries and the good condition of the rescued personnel. The incidents were announced on U.S. Pacific Fleet social media channels, though updates have been limited amid a U.S. government shutdown, according to reporting. (Sources: TheAviationist; Stars and Stripes.)
“The quick reaction and shipboard rescue procedures were credited for saving lives,” reporting noted about the carrier team’s response.
Aircraft and units involved
The MH-60R Sea Hawk is a maritime helicopter for anti-submarine and surface warfare and search-and-rescue missions; the helicopter involved belongs to HSM-73, the “Battle Cats” based at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego. The F/A-18F Super Hornet is a two-seat strike fighter assigned to VFA-22, the “Fighting Redcocks”, based at Naval Air Station Lemoore. Both squadrons are homeported in California. (Sources: TheAviationist; ABC30.)
Investigations underway
The Navy has opened investigations into both mishaps. Officials have not released details about whether technical failures, human factors, or environmental conditions contributed to either crash. Investigators typically review maintenance logs, flight-recording devices, pilot records, weather data, and witness statements when examining Navy aircraft accidents. These incidents add to recent high-profile mishaps that have drawn attention to naval aviation safety and readiness. (Sources: TheAviationist; Stars and Stripes.)
Investigators will likely examine:
- Mechanical and systems logs and maintenance history;
- Flight-data and cockpit voice recordings, when recoverable;
- Pilot training, fatigue, and other human factors;
- Weather and sea-state conditions at the time of each incident;
- Any interactions with other aircraft or shipboard operations.
Operational context: USS Nimitz and the South China Sea
The USS Nimitz, the oldest active carrier in the fleet, has been operating in the Indo-Pacific since March 2025 as part of Carrier Strike Group 11 and had been expected to end its deployment soon after a prior port call in Bahrain. The South China Sea is a region of contested maritime claims and rising tensions; while the Navy described the flights as routine, the incidents occurred in waters where U.S. carrier groups routinely operate to show presence and conduct exercises. (Source: TheAviationist.)
Implications for Fresno, California
Both squadrons involved have California ties: VFA-22 is based at NAS Lemoore and HSM-73 is homeported at NAS North Island. That connection gives the incidents local significance for Fresno and Central California communities with military families and contractors. Local leaders and media are likely to seek prompt updates on the condition of rescued personnel, investigation timelines, and any operational impacts on training and deployments that could affect jobs and services in the region.
Community effects to watch:
- Demand for family support and counseling services;
- Potential short-term reductions in training tempos affecting contractors and local businesses;
- Calls from civic leaders for transparency and safety improvements.
Reporting and follow-up
Investigative reporters will continue to seek Navy updates and Freedom of Information Act releases as formal inquiries proceed. For now, Navy statements and media reporting emphasize the safe recovery of all five crew members as the immediate priority. Expect periodic briefings as investigators analyze flight data and maintenance records. (Sources: ABC30; TheAviationist; Stars and Stripes.)
Source links
- TheAviationist: USS Nimitz loses Sea Hawk and Super Hornet
- Stars and Stripes: Navy aircraft crash South China Sea
- ABC30 (Fresno): Navy aircraft crash South China Sea, crews rescued
- Video report
Note: Investigative reporters will continue to pursue Navy updates and FOIA releases as formal investigations proceed. For now, the Navy’s quick response and the safe recovery of all five crew members remain central facts in the unfolding USS Nimitz incident.
