A U.S. Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet crashed in the South China Sea on Sunday, October 26, 2025, in two separate incidents while conducting routine operations from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz.1
Key details reported are:
- Aircraft: An MH-60R Seahawk helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet.2
- Location: South China Sea.3
- Carrier: Both aircraft were operating from the USS Nimitz.4
- Casualties: All five crew members (three from the helicopter and two from the jet) were safely rescued and are reported to be in stable condition.5 The jet's crew successfully ejected.6
- Circumstances: The incidents occurred about 30 minutes apart and are considered separate mishaps.7
- Investigation: The U.S. Navy has launched a full investigation into the cause of both crashes.8
The helicopter was assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 "Battle Cats," and the jet was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 "Fighting Redcocks."9