According to the Navy, it was an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter from the “Battle Cats” squadron, which crashed around 2:45 p.m. local time (9:45 p.m. Belgian time) during an exercise from the aircraft carrier USS. Nimitz. Three crew members were safely removed from the sea by rescue teams. Shortly afterwards, at 3:15 p.m., an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the “Fighting Redcocks” squadron also crashed during a routine flight from the same ship. The two pilots were able to successfully catapult and were rescued.
© Google Maps
Tightened security
Just now there is increased military activity in the region, where the United States, China and allies such as the Philippines and Japan regularly conduct exercises. The South China Sea is a strategic area claimed by several countries, where confrontations between naval ships and aircraft are becoming increasingly frequent. According to Australian media, the incident may be related to previous tensions in which Chinese fighter jets took an aggressive stance towards an Australian patrol aircraft.
An F/A-18 aircraft costs more than $60 million. © MC3 Brian Stephens
The incidents occurred while President Donald Trump is on a diplomatic tour in Asia, where he will meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping this week for talks on trade. Tensions between the two countries have increased in recent weeks following new trade measures, but according to Finance Minister Scott Bessent, the US and China have now reached a provisional agreement that has calmed feelings somewhat.
The accidents come a few months after the Navy lost two Super Hornets in the Red Sea. An F/A-18 aircraft costs more than $60 million.