A US Navy helicopter and fighter jet crashed separately on Sunday during routine operations over the South China Sea, with all crew members safely rescued, the Pacific Fleet confirmed. The Navy has launched investigations into both incidents.
The first crash occurred around 2:45 p.m. local time when an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, assigned to the “Battle Cats” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73, went down while operating from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. Search-and-rescue teams successfully recovered all three crew members.
Shortly after, at 3:15 p.m., an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet, assigned to the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, also went down during routine operations from the Nimitz. Both crew members ejected safely and were recovered by Navy personnel.
The South China Sea is a critical international waterway, bordered by China and several Southeast Asian nations. Multiple countries claim parts of the sea, but China asserts near-total control, ignoring an international court ruling. Over the past 20 years, Beijing has built military installations across the region, challenging US efforts to maintain free passage.
US Navy operations in the area are part of Washington’s broader strategy to counter China’s maritime expansion and ensure security in the Indo-Pacific. The crashes come as President Donald Trump continues his diplomacy tour in Asia, ahead of planned talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping later this week, focused primarily on trade.
Relations between the US and China have recently grown tense after both nations imposed sweeping measures on each other following months of relative calm. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that the US has reached a framework trade agreement with China, easing tensions before the high-profile Trump-Xi meeting.
The Navy has emphasized that both incidents occurred during standard training operations and that safety protocols were followed. Investigators will assess technical, mechanical, and operational factors to determine the causes of the crashes.
The successful rescue of all crew members underscores the Navy’s preparedness and ability to respond quickly in high-risk maritime environments. Officials also noted that the South China Sea remains a strategically sensitive area, with US military presence serving as a deterrent against regional conflict.
