The U.S. Navy confirmed that the incidents occurred while the USS Nimitz was conducting regular flight operations in the South China Sea. According to a statement from the U.S. Pacific Fleet, a Sea Hawk helicopter from the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 73 “Battle Cats” crashed at approximately 2:54 p.m. local time.

Rescue teams from the Nimitz and the 11th Strike Group immediately responded, retrieving all three crew members from the water alive. Officials stated that the crew received medical attention aboard the carrier and were in stable condition.

Super Hornet Down Half an Hour Later

Roughly 30 minutes after the helicopter accident, an F/A-18F Super Hornet also went down during flight operations from the same carrier. Search and rescue units located both pilots, who had ejected safely before the aircraft struck the water. The Navy confirmed that the pilots were recovered and returned to the Nimitz with no serious injuries reported.

Investigation Underway

The U.S. Pacific Fleet emphasized that all five personnel involved in the two separate accidents are safe. While the cause of the crashes has not been determined, the Navy has launched an official investigation. No details were provided regarding weather conditions or possible technical malfunctions at the time of the incidents.

The dual crashes occurred as former U.S. President Donald Trump visited Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as part of his Asia tour, underscoring heightened American military activity in the region amid increasing strategic tensions.