The U.S. Navy faced a challenging day in the South China Sea on Monday, responding to two separate aircraft crashes involving a helicopter and a fighter jet. In both incidents, which occurred in quick succession, all crew members were safely rescued.
According to news agencies, the first incident involved an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter. It crashed into the sea while conducting a routine flight operation from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. The U.S. Pacific Fleet confirmed that all three personnel on board the helicopter were safely recovered by search and rescue teams.
Just about half an hour later, a second incident occurred. An F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet, which had also launched from the USS Nimitz, crashed during a separate routine operation. The two aviators on board successfully ejected from the aircraft and were rescued from the water shortly after.
A statement from the U.S. Navy confirmed that all personnel from both crashes are safe and in stable condition. Investigations into the causes of both incidents have been initiated.
These accidents come at a notable time, as U.S. President Donald Trump is currently on his first tour of Asia during his second term in office. Additionally, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is also scheduled to visit several Asian nations soon.
