Two US Navy aircraft experienced accidents today during routine operations, as confirmed by officials. The US Navy’s Pacific fleet reported that both incidents occurred on Sunday, October 26, with the first at 2:45 pm followed by the second just 30 minutes later at 3:15 pm. While the US Navy provided additional details on the events, the causes of the crashes are yet to be determined.
On October 26, 2025, at around 2:45 pm local time, a U.S. Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter from the “Battle Cats” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 went down in 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. Shortly after, at 3:15 pm, an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter from the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 also crashed into the waters of the South China Sea during routine operations from the USS Nimitz. Both crew members ejected safely and were rescued by search and rescue units from Carrier Strike Group 11.
All personnel involved in the incidents are secure and in stable condition. Investigations are ongoing to determine the root causes of both accidents.
