DEFENCE CONNECT : 27 October 2025 : Robert Dougherty

An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, takes off from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Photo: Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Gage Thomas/US NAVY

The United States military has confirmed the loss of a MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and a F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet in the South China Sea. Both incidents occurred separately on October 26 with the US Navy helicopter going down during routine operations and the jet lost later the same day while also conducting routine operations.

The incidents reportedly occurred in close proximity to the Carrier Strike Group 11 operating with the American aircraft carrier USS Nimitz in the South China Sea.

“At approximately 2:45 pm local time, a US Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the ‘Battle Cats’ of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73 went down in the waters of the South China Sea while conducting routine operations,” according to US Pacific Fleet Command. (A F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter) of Strike Fighter Squadron 22 also went down in the waters of the South China Sea while conducting routine operations from Nimitz. “Both crew members successfully ejected and were also safely recovered by search and rescue assets assigned to Carrier Strike Group 11. “All personnel involved are safe and in stable condition. The cause of both incidents is currently under investigation.”