President Donald Trump has ruled out foul play in the recent crashes of two U.S. Navy aircraft near the South China Sea, suggesting the incidents may have been caused by faulty fuel. During a press briefing aboard Air Force One, Trump indicated that the investigation is ongoing and that he expects to receive more information soon. The crashes involved a Sea Hawk helicopter and an F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet from the USS Nimitz, with all five crew members rescued and in stable condition. Trump emphasized that he does not suspect any intentional wrongdoing, and the focus remains on technical and mechanical factors.
The U.S. Pacific Fleet confirmed the incidents occurred during routine operations over the South China Sea on Sunday. The first incident involved an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter from the ‘Battle Cats’ of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73, which crashed into the water. Search-and-rescue teams from Carrier Strike Group 11, operating alongside the Nimitz, swiftly recovered all three crew members. Approximately 30 minutes later, an F/A-18F Super Hornet from the ‘Fighting Redcocks’ of Strike Fighter Squadron 22 also went down, with its two crew members safely ejecting before the aircraft sank. Both aviators were transported back to the Nimitz and are reported to be in stable condition.
The USS Nimitz, commissioned in the U.S. Navy for 50 years, is currently undergoing its final operational tour before being retired. Despite the recent incidents, the Navy has assured that all personnel involved remain safe and are receiving necessary medical attention. The ongoing investigation into the cause of the crashes continues, with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) set to conduct a three-day investigative hearing on the deadly DC plane crash that occurred earlier in the week. These developments highlight the Navy’s commitment to both safety and operational readiness in the South China Sea region.
Trump’s comments during the press briefing underscore the administration’s focus on transparency and accountability in such incidents. While the exact cause of the crashes remains under investigation, the president has placed the emphasis on the technical aspects, including the potential role of faulty fuel. The Navy has not yet released a definitive statement on the cause of the crashes, and further details are expected as the investigation progresses. These events serve as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with naval operations and the importance of maintaining high standards of equipment and safety protocols.