Both aircraft were conducting flight operations from the USS Nimitz (CVN-68), flagship of Carrier Strike Group 11, which has been operating in the western Pacific since early October. The crashes occurred roughly 30 minutes apart on Sunday afternoon while the group was sailing in international waters of the South China Sea.

Timeline And Platforms

The MH-60R Sea Hawk went down at about 2:45 p.m., followed by the F/A-18F Super Hornet around 3:15 p.m., a span of approximately 30 minutes. All five crew members were reported in stable condition after recovery. Both sorties were described as routine training missions conducted from the carrier.

Units And Assignments

The helicopter belonged to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73, and the fighter jet to Strike Fighter Squadron 22, both attached to Carrier Air Wing 17 aboard the Nimitz. The Navy has not disclosed precise crash coordinates or preliminary findings, citing ongoing inquiries.

Operational Context

The South China Sea remains one of the world’s most contested maritime zones, claimed almost entirely by China but also by several Southeast Asian states. U.S. carrier operations in these waters are part of ongoing freedom-of-navigation activities and regional deterrence patrols.

Fleet And Safety Notes

The dual mishaps mark one of the rare instances in recent years where two U.S. Navy aircraft were lost during the same operational window. Flight safety reviews are being conducted across the carrier air wing, while maintenance and sortie schedules are being reassessed before resuming full operations.