Two Aircraft Lost from USS Nimitz Carrier in 30 Minutes
Two aircraft from the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier crashed into the South China Sea within a half-hour. The incidents involved a fighter jet and a helicopter, as confirmed by the Navy’s Pacific Fleet.
Details of the Crashes
The crashes occurred on a Sunday afternoon. A MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, carrying three crew members, successfully completed a rescue operation. Meanwhile, two aviators aboard an F/A-18F Super Hornet ejected and were also recovered. All five personnel are reported to be safe and in stable condition.
Investigation Underway
The causes of these crashes are currently under investigation. During a press briefing aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump suggested that “bad fuel” could be a contributing factor. He ruled out any possibility of foul play, emphasizing that there is “nothing to hide.”
USS Nimitz Deployment Overview
The USS Nimitz is returning to its home port at Naval Base Kitsap in Washington state after a lengthy deployment to the Middle East. This deployment was part of U.S. efforts to counter attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels against commercial shipping routes.
- This mission marked the carrier’s final deployment before decommissioning.
- Other incidents in recent months affected the USS Harry S. Truman during its Middle East deployment.
Recent Mishaps Involving USS Harry S. Truman
The USS Harry S. Truman experienced several accidents, including:
- In December, the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg mistakenly shot down an F/A-18 jet from the Truman.
- In April, another F/A-18 slipped off the hangar deck and fell into the Red Sea.
- In May, an F/A-18 failed to catch landing cables and went overboard during its landing.
No fatalities occurred in these incidents, and investigations are still pending.
