WASHINGTON D.C. – The U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet has reported the loss of a fighter jet and a helicopter from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, both crashing into the South China Sea within a swift 30-minute period on Sunday.
The two incidents involved an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet and an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter. Despite the rapid sequence of mishaps, all five crew members involved were recovered safely and reported to be in stable condition, according to a Navy statement.
The three crew members aboard the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter were rescued Sunday afternoon. Shortly after, the two aviators piloting the F/A-18F Super Hornet successfully ejected and were also recovered.
The Navy has stated that the causes of both crashes are currently under investigation. Commenting on the unusual incidents, then-President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, suggested that “bad fuel” could have been the cause, stating there was “nothing to hide.”
The USS Nimitz was concluding its deployment to the Middle East, having supported U.S. efforts responding to attacks on commercial shipping by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The carrier is currently on its final deployment before its scheduled decommissioning.
