The USS Nimitz (CVN 68) sails out of San Diego Bay near Mission Beach on August 19, 2023, as seen in this file photo. AP
Two U.S. Navy aircraft from the USS Nimitz crashed within half an hour on Sunday afternoon over the South China Sea. The Navy confirmed that both incidents happened separately but close in time.
The three crew members aboard the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter were rescued safely. In the second crash, two aviators flying an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet ejected before impact and were later recovered. Officials said all five service members are safe and in stable condition.
“The causes of the two crashes remain under investigation,” the Navy’s Pacific Fleet said in a statement.
President Comments on Possible Cause
While travelling to Tokyo, President Donald Trump spoke briefly about the incidents. He said investigators were looking into the possibility of “bad fuel” being behind both crashes. He ruled out foul play, adding, “There’s nothing to hide.”
The Navy has not yet confirmed whether the two crashes are related.
USS Nimitz on Final Deployment
The USS Nimitz, one of the Navy’s oldest and most recognizable aircraft carriers, was returning to its home port at Naval Base Kitsap in Washington state after a summer deployment in the Middle East.
The carrier played a key role in responding to attacks on commercial ships by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. This deployment marks the vessel’s final mission before being retired after decades of service.
The Nimitz has a long and storied history in U.S. naval operations, often serving in tense global regions. Its decommissioning will mark the end of an era for one of the Navy’s most enduring warships.
Pattern of Recent Naval Mishaps
This is not the first time the U.S. Navy has faced aviation accidents this year. The USS Harry S. Truman, another major aircraft carrier, experienced a series of incidents while operating in the Middle East.
In December, the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg accidentally shot down a fighter jet from the Truman during exercises. In April, another F/A-18 fighter jet slid off the Truman’s deck and plunged into the Red Sea. A month later, a separate jet overshot its landing and went overboard when its arresting cable failed.
Fortunately, no sailors lost their lives in any of those events. However, investigations into the Truman incidents remain ongoing.
Ongoing Safety Concerns
The series of accidents has raised questions about the condition of aircraft, maintenance practices, and operational stress on crews. Navy officials have emphasized that safety remains a top priority, especially as ships like the Nimitz near the end of their service lives.
Despite the mishaps, officials praised the quick response of rescue teams, who managed to recover all five crew members safely.
The Navy said updates will follow once investigators determine what caused the crashes.
