Overview
- A 7th Fleet spokesperson confirmed USNS Salvor is conducting recovery operations, with no public details on the crash sites, progress, or timeline.
- An F/A-18F Super Hornet and an MH-60R Seahawk went down within about 30 minutes on October 26 during USS Nimitz operations, and all aircrew were rescued.
- The Navy has not identified a cause after President Trump suggested contaminated fuel, and officials have indicated they see no evidence of a nefarious cause.
- Analysts say the wrecks contain valuable sensors and software, and note China’s proximity and capabilities; Beijing has offered humanitarian assistance while criticizing U.S. military activity.
- USNS Salvor’s heavy-lift and air-diving systems are built for this task, and past successes such as the 2022 F-35 recovery underscore U.S. salvage capabilities.