Overview
- An MH-60R Sea Hawk from HSM-73 went down at about 2:45 p.m. local time during routine operations from USS Nimitz, and all three crew were recovered.
- Roughly 30 minutes later, an F/A-18F Super Hornet from VFA-22 also went down; both aviators ejected and were rescued.
- Search-and-rescue teams from Carrier Strike Group 11 conducted both recoveries, and all five personnel are reported in stable condition.
- U.S. Pacific Fleet says both mishaps are under investigation and has not released information on causes, weather, or mission details.
- Nimitz entered the South China Sea on October 17 while returning from extended Middle East duty, with reporting noting recent carrier aviation mishaps and heightened attention to operations in contested waters during regional diplomacy.