Two US Navy aircraft crash in South China Sea — raising global security concerns
Two US Navy aircraft crashed within a span of 30 minutes over the South China Sea, triggering a full-scale investigation and raising concerns about operational safety in one of the world’s most disputed maritime regions.
The incidents occurred on Sunday afternoon as both aircraft were conducting routine military operations from the USS Nimitz, the Navy’s oldest serving nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, which was en route to its home port in Washington after a summer deployment in the Middle East.
At approximately 2:45 p.m. local time, a MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73, known as the “Battle Cats,” went down in the sea. All three crew members were safely rescued. Just 30 minutes later, a F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet, part of Strike Fighter Squadron 22 “Fighting Redcocks,” also crashed. Both pilots ejected and were recovered without injuries.
The US Pacific Fleet confirmed that all five personnel involved are in stable condition. An official statement noted that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crashes. President Donald Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One during his Asia tour, described the twin incidents as “very unusual” and hinted at a possible fuel contamination issue.
The South China Sea remains a geopolitical hotspot, with China asserting territorial claims over vast stretches of the strategic waterway. Beijing’s foreign ministry offered humanitarian aid for rescue operations but criticized the US for its frequent military presence, accusing Washington of escalating tensions and endangering maritime peace.
The USS Nimitz, commissioned in 1975, is nearing retirement in 2026. Its final deployment underscores the enduring role of Nimitz-class aircraft carriers in maintaining regional stability and supporting allied operations.
This marks the fourth F/A-18 crash for the Navy in 2025, intensifying scrutiny over aircraft maintenance and operational protocols. As the investigation unfolds, defense analysts are watching closely for implications on US naval strategy in Asia.
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