Two US Navy aircraft were involved in separate incidents during routine operations today, as confirmed by officials. The US Navy’s Pacific fleet reported that both aircraft went down on Sunday, October 26, with the first incident occurring at 2:45 pm followed by the second just 30 minutes later at 3:15 pm.
The US Navy provided additional details on the incidents but has not yet determined the cause of each crash. On October 26, 2025, at around 2:45 p.m. local time, a U.S. Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter from the “Battle Cats” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 crashed into the waters of the South China Sea while operating from the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier.
Search and rescue teams from Carrier Strike Group 11 successfully retrieved all three crew members after the helicopter crash. Subsequently, at 3:15 p.m., an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter from the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 also went down in the same area while conducting routine operations from the USS Nimitz. Both crew members ejected safely and were rescued by search and rescue teams from Carrier Strike Group 11.
All individuals involved in the incidents are safe and in stable condition. The causes of the crashes are currently under investigation.