On October 26, 2025, the USS Nimitz, the U.S. Navy’s oldest active aircraft carrier on its final deployment, experienced two separate aircraft crashes in the South China Sea within 30 minutes. At approximately 2:45 p.m. local time, an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73 crashed during routine operations, with all three crew members rescued safely. About 30 minutes later, an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet from Strike Fighter Squadron 22 crashed, and both pilots ejected and were recovered unharmed. The Pacific Fleet confirmed all five crew members are safe and stable. President Donald Trump, en route to Asia, suggested “bad fuel” might be a cause and ruled out foul play. China, while offering humanitarian aid if requested, criticized U.S. military activity in the contested waters, citing regional security risks. The incidents underscore ongoing U.S. naval presence amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea, highlighting operational risks as the USS Nimitz prepares for decommissioning by 2026. Investigations into the causes are ongoing.