The United States Navy has completed the recovery of the F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet and the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter that crashed in the South China Sea on October 26 during routine operations from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz.
The aircraft, which crashed just half an hour apart, were located at a depth of about 120 meters and removed from the seabed on December 5. All five crew members were rescued alive on the day of the incidents.
According to the 7th Fleet, the search and rescue operation involved a broad U.S. Navy structure, including Task Forces 73 and 75, SUPSALV diving and rescue teams, and a contracted vessel equipped with a contractor-operated submersible system. The USNS Salvor, a ship specialized in salvage and recovery of submerged objects, was also involved.
Authorities stated that all recovered components are being transported to a military facility in the Indo-Pacific, where they will be analyzed to help determine the causes of the crashes.
The rapid mobilization reflected not only the technical complexity of the recovery but also the strategic sensitivity of the region. Leaving U.S. military aircraft in the South China Sea could allow China access to sensitive technologies, making the operation a priority for Washington. The recovery contrasts with other recent incidents, such as the three Super Hornets lost in the Red Sea, which have still not been recovered.
The two accidents occurred while the USS Nimitz was carrying out what is expected to be its final operational mission before leaving active service. The MH-60R from squadron HSM-73 crashed first, around 2:45 p.m., followed by the F/A-18F from VFA-22 at 3:15 p.m., after the pilots ejected. Although the exact cause of the crashes remains unknown, the Navy says there are no indications of hostile actions. Investigations are ongoing, now that the aircraft are in U.S. custody.
Source: The War Zone / The Aviationist | Photo: X @Defence_Index @LockheedMartin | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
🇺🇸 BREAKING: The U.S. Navy has recovered both the F/A-18F Super Hornet and MH-60R Seahawk that crashed just 30 minutes apart in the South China Sea on Oct 26.
Both aircraft were lifted from 400 feet underwater, after concerns that leaving the wreckage could allow China to study… pic.twitter.com/Ilh9nD3KJH
— Defence Index (@Defence_Index) December 9, 2025
