Two US Navy aircraft go down 30 minutes apart in South China Sea
Two US Navy planes crashed South China Sea Separate incidents occurred 30 minutes apart, according to the US Pacific Fleet.
US President Donald Trump called the back-to-back crashes “very unusual” and suggested a possible fuel problem while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday. During his flight from Malaysia to Japan. In response to a reporter’s question, Trump said, “They think it might be bad fuel. We’ll find out. There’s nothing to hide, sir.”
The two aircraft were conducting routine operations over disputed waters that China claims in their entirety. All five crew members involved were rescued safely. Both aircraft were deployed from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz.
The US Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter first crashed into South China Sea waters around 14:45 local time on Sunday. All three crew members were rescued safely.
Just 30 minutes later, at 3:15 p.m., an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet also crashed while conducting routine operations. USS Nimitz. The two crew members who were ejected from the aircraft were later rescued.
USS Nimitz (center) navigates international waters with Japanese and South Korean ships during an exercise in April 2023 (South Korean Ministry of Defense via Getty Images)
The Sea Hawk was assigned to the “Battle Cats” in Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73. The Super Hornet was part of Strike Fighter Squadron 22’s “Fighting Redcocks”.
China’s foreign ministry said Beijing would be willing to assist in any rescue and recovery operations.
“China will provide necessary humanitarian assistance if the United States requests it,” spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a press conference on Monday.
He also took the opportunity to criticize US operations in the region, accusing Washington of carrying out regular displays of military force in the South China Sea, increasing risks to maritime activity, and undermining regional peace.
The Pacific Fleet, the world’s largest fleet command, said in a statement that “all personnel involved are safe and stable.” It was stated that an investigation was launched into both incidents.
During the incident, USS Nimitz was returning to her homeport at Naval Base Kitsap inside washington After being sent to the region, the state Middle East for much of the summer as part of America’s response to Houthi attacks in Yemen. rebels regarding commercial shipping. The carrier was on its last deployment before being decommissioned.
First commissioned in 1975, Nimitz is the U.S. Navy’s oldest serving aircraft carrier and is scheduled to retire in 2026.
Nimitz-class aircraft carriers are the Navy’s largest ships, measuring almost 3,100 ft from stem to stern. Thanks to the nuclear power plants on board, they can operate uninterruptedly for 20 years without refueling.
The events took place at that time Trump’s tour Asia’sMeanwhile, he is expected to meet with a number of Asian leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping.
China is stepping up efforts to bolster its territorial claims in the South China Sea amid ongoing disputes with other Southeast Asian countries over numerous islands and waterways. Beijing claims ownership of almost all of the strategic waterways.
US forces maintain a presence in the region to support regional allies and push back against China’s claims to sovereignty.
