Two U.S. Navy aircraft from USS Nimitz go down in separate South China Sea incidents; all crew rescued
Two U.S. Navy aircraft — an MH-60R Sea Hawk and an F/A-18F Super Hornet — operating from USS Nimitz crashed in separate South China Sea incidents on Oct. 26, 2025; all five crewmembers were rescued and are in stable condition.
- Two separate losses: An MH-60R Sea Hawk and an F/A-18F Super Hornet were lost about 30 minutes apart during routine carrier operations.
- All crew rescued: Carrier Strike Group 11 search-and-rescue teams recovered all five crewmembers; they are reported in stable condition.
- Investigations underway: The Navy has opened inquiries; no causes have been released and officials warn against speculation.
- Local ties: Aircraft were assigned to HSM-73 (NAS North Island) and VFA-22 (NAS Lemoore), linking the incidents to Southern California naval aviation communities.
Timeline of events
Oct. 26, 2025: At about 2:45 p.m. local time, an MH-60R Sea Hawk assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73 (HSM-73, “Battle Cats”) reportedly went down while operating from the deck of the USS Nimitz. Roughly 30 minutes later, at about 3:15 p.m., an F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 22 (VFA-22, “Fighting Redcocks”) was lost; both pilots ejected and were recovered.
These details were reported by TheAviationist, ABC13, and ABC30.
Rescue operations and status of crew
Carrier Strike Group 11 personnel launched immediate search-and-rescue efforts from USS Nimitz. Teams recovered the Sea Hawk’s three crewmembers and the Super Hornet’s two pilots. The U.S. Pacific Fleet reported all five were rescued and are in stable condition.
Media coverage and the fleet’s social media confirmed the incidents; at the time of reporting there were no reports of fatalities or serious injuries. Coverage and source confirmation appear in reports from TheAviationist, ABC13, ABC30, and related YouTube coverage.
Units involved and ship background
The MH-60R was assigned to HSM-73 (“Battle Cats”) at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego. The F/A-18F belonged to VFA-22 (“Fighting Redcocks”) at Naval Air Station Lemoore. Both squadrons routinely deploy on carriers like USS Nimitz.
The USS Nimitz — the Navy’s oldest active aircraft carrier — was on what has been described as its final operational deployment after departing the U.S. in March 2025 and had been operating in the Indo-Pacific amid heightened tensions. (Reporting: TheAviationist.)
Investigations and outstanding questions
Navy officials have opened inquiries into both incidents. Investigators will review flight data recorders, maintenance logs, communications, training cycles, and environmental conditions to determine whether the losses were related or coincidental. The Navy has not released technical details and has asked for patience while the inquiries proceed. (Sources: TheAviationist; ABC13.)
Geopolitical context
The South China Sea remains a contested region and U.S. carrier operations are closely watched. While officials have not attributed the crashes to external interference, the incidents — occurring where U.S.-China tensions are high — will sustain international scrutiny as the Navy’s investigations proceed. (Reporting: TheAviationist.)
Implications for Los Angeles and Southern California
The squadrons involved are based in Southern California. Potential short-term impacts include temporary groundings, shifts in training cycles, maintenance loads, and effects on contractors servicing similar aircraft. Local leaders and military family services are expected to seek briefings and provide support as families await investigation outcomes. (Sources: ABC30; ABC13.)
Reporting and next steps
Navy investigators are expected to analyze recorders, maintenance histories and eyewitness accounts from the carrier. The pace and findings of those inquiries will determine whether the two incidents were connected. Reporters and local officials will monitor releases from the Navy and statements from carrier-affiliated squadrons based at NAS North Island and NAS Lemoore.
Sources
Bottom line: Two Navy aircraft operating from USS Nimitz were lost in separate incidents in the South China Sea on Oct. 26, 2025; all five crewmembers were rescued and the Navy is conducting investigations. (Reporting sources above.)
