The U.S. Navy reported two separate aircraft mishaps involving the Bremerton-based USS Nimitz while operating in the South China Sea on October 26. In both incidents, all crew members were recovered and are in stable condition, according to U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Officials said an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73, known as the Battle Cats, went down at approximately 2:45 p.m. local time. Search and rescue teams assigned to Carrier Strike Group 11 recovered the three crew members.
Roughly 30 minutes later, at about 3:15 p.m., an F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 22, the Fighting Redcocks, also went down while conducting routine flight operations. Both aviators ejected and were safely recovered, the Navy said.
The Navy added that the causes of both incidents remain under investigation. No further details were immediately available on the condition of the aircraft or recovery efforts beyond the safe return of the crews.
What the Navy Confirmed
- Two separate mishaps occurred on October 26 in the South China Sea.
- Aircraft involved: one MH-60R Sea Hawk and one F/A-18F Super Hornet.
- Units: HSM-73 (Battle Cats) and VFA-22 (Fighting Redcocks), both attached to Carrier Air Wing 17 and Carrier Strike Group 11 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68).
- All five service members were recovered and are in stable condition.
- Investigations are underway; no cause has been released.
About USS Nimitz and Its Deployment
USS Nimitz is the U.S. Navy’s oldest active aircraft carrier. Commissioned in 1975, it has long been homeported in Bremerton, Washington. The ship departed the Pacific Northwest in March for a global deployment with approximately 2,800 sailors aboard. In June, it moved to the Middle East amid rising tensions in the region.
The Navy has said that Nimitz is slated to shift homeport to Norfolk, Virginia, in 2026 to begin the formal decommissioning process. Until then, the carrier continues operations with Carrier Air Wing 17 and Carrier Strike Group 11.
What We Know About the Aircraft
The MH-60R Sea Hawk is a multi-mission helicopter used for anti-submarine warfare, surface surveillance, search and rescue, and logistics support. It routinely launches and recovers at sea and is a staple of carrier strike group operations.
The F/A-18F Super Hornet is a twin-seat, multirole fighter jet. It performs air superiority, strike, and maritime missions. Ejection seats and well-practiced rescue procedures help improve survivability when emergencies occur at sea.
Search and Rescue at Sea
Carrier strike groups train constantly for emergencies. When an aircraft goes down, nearby helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and ships coordinate fast-moving search and rescue. Crews practice recovery procedures to cut response times and protect lives in high-risk conditions.
In these incidents, rescue teams deployed quickly and brought all crew back safely. The Navy did not note any injuries beyond confirming that all personnel are stable.
Investigations and Next Steps
Each mishap triggers a formal investigation. Teams look at weather, maintenance records, flight data, communications, and human factors. The goal is to identify root causes and update procedures, training, or maintenance to prevent future incidents.
Until the Navy releases findings, it is too early to say whether a common factor contributed to both events. Simultaneous or sequential mishaps are rare, and investigations typically take weeks to months.
Context: Operations in the South China Sea
The South China Sea is a busy and strategically important waterway. Carrier operations there test readiness, support regional security, and assure allied partners. Flying from carriers involves complex risks even in routine conditions, which is why safety drills and strict checklists are essential parts of the mission.
Community Impact in Bremerton
Bremerton has deep ties to USS Nimitz. Many families in the region follow deployment updates closely and support sailors through ombudsman networks and base resources. News that all crew were safely recovered will come as relief to many in the local community.
What to Watch For
- Official Navy updates on the status of the aircraft and any environmental mitigation related to the mishaps.
- Preliminary and final investigation reports detailing causes and recommendations.
- Any changes to Nimitz’s operational schedule or training protocols for attached air wing units.
Two aircraft assigned to USS Nimitz were lost in separate incidents in the South China Sea on October 26. Thanks to fast search and rescue operations, all five crew members were recovered and are stable. Investigations are in progress. We will update this story as the Navy releases more information.
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