Double Trouble for USS Nimitz: Two Aircraft Down in Half an Hour

South China SeaMon Oct 27 2025
In a surprising turn of events, the USS Nimitz faced a double aircraft loss in a short span. A helicopter and a fighter jet both met with accidents in the South China Sea, but the good news is that all crew members are safe. The MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and the F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet both went down within 30 minutes of each other. The Navy's Pacific Fleet confirmed that all five crew members were rescued and are in stable condition. The reasons behind these crashes are still under investigation. President Trump weighed in on the incidents, suggesting that bad fuel might be the culprit. He dismissed any ideas of foul play, stating that there's nothing to hide. The USS Nimitz is on its way back to its home port in Washington state after a deployment in the Middle East. This isn't the first time a U. S. aircraft carrier has faced mishaps. The USS Harry S. Truman also had its share of incidents recently. In December, a guided-missile cruiser accidentally shot down an F/A-18 jet from the Truman. Then, in April, another F/A-18 slipped off the Truman's deck and fell into the Red Sea. In May, a fighter jet went overboard after failing to catch the arresting cables. Despite these incidents, no lives were lost. Investigations into these mishaps are still ongoing. It's a reminder that even with advanced technology, accidents can happen. It's crucial to understand what went wrong to prevent future incidents.
https://localnews.ai/article/double-trouble-for-uss-nimitz-two-aircraft-down-in-half-an-hour-c8bb2d86

questions

    Is it possible that the aircraft just wanted a quick swim in the South China Sea?
    Could the pilot of the F/A-18F have been distracted by the helicopter's autopilot?
    Did the aircraft decide to take a vacation from their deployment?

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