USS Nimitz Loses Two Aircraft in Naval Incident
On a Sunday afternoon, two aircraft associated with the USS Nimitz met with unfortunate incidents in the South China Sea. A fighter jet collided with the sea, followed by a helicopter crash, both occurring within a half-hour of each other. According to the Navy’s Pacific Fleet, the incidents are currently under investigation.
Details of the Crashes
The aircraft involved included an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet and an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter. Fortunately, all crew members were rescued and are reported to be in stable condition. The three crew members from the helicopter were saved, while the two aviators from the fighter jet successfully ejected before recovery.
USS Nimitz: A Significant Deployment
The USS Nimitz is returning to its home base at Naval Base Kitsap in Washington state. This marks its final deployment before decommissioning. The carrier had been active in the Middle East over the summer, responding to threats against commercial maritime operations by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Past Incidents Involving USS Harry S. Truman
Meanwhile, the USS Harry S. Truman has faced several mishaps during its deployments. Notably, there have been incidents, including:
- December: The USS Gettysburg mistakenly shot down an F/A-18 from the Truman.
- April: An F/A-18 fighter slipped off the hangar deck and fell into the Red Sea.
- May: Another F/A-18 failed to catch landing cables and went overboard, prompting two pilots to eject.
Fortunately, during these incidents, there were no casualties among the sailors. Investigations into these previous mishaps are still pending.
Conclusion
The recent crashes involving the USS Nimitz highlight ongoing challenges faced by the U.S. Navy in active deployment zones. As investigations unfold, the safety of personnel remains a paramount concern.
