Navy’s USS Nimitz Loses Two Aircraft in 30 Minutes

A recent incident off the South China Sea involved the USS Nimitz, where both a fighter jet and a helicopter crashed within a span of 30 minutes. The Navy’s Pacific Fleet reported the events, confirming that all five crew members involved were rescued safely.

Details of the Incidents

The first incident involved the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, which went down in the South China Sea on a Sunday afternoon. The three crew members aboard were rescued and reported to be in stable condition. Shortly after, an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet also crashed, but both pilots managed to eject and were subsequently recovered safely.

Investigation Underway

The Navy is currently investigating the causes of these crashes. Initial statements suggest that bad fuel could be a potential factor, though foul play has been ruled out. President Donald Trump addressed the media while traveling to Tokyo, reaffirming that there was “nothing to hide” regarding the incidents.

USS Nimitz Deployment

The USS Nimitz is on its final deployment before decommissioning. It has returned to its home port at Naval Base Kitsap in Washington state after a mission in the Middle East. This deployment addressed security threats posed by Houthi rebels targeting commercial vessels.

Recent Mishaps in the Navy

Other recent incidents have raised concerns within the Navy. Notably, the USS Harry S. Truman faced multiple mishaps while deployed.

• December: USS Gettysburg mistakenly shot down a fighter jet from the Truman.
• April: An F/A-18 jet slipped off the Truman’s hangar deck into the Red Sea.
• May: A fighter jet failed to stop during landing and went overboard, forcing pilots to eject.

No fatalities occurred in these incidents, and investigations into past mishaps are still pending. The safety of all personnel remains a top priority for the Navy.