Two US Navy aircraft—a Seahawk helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet—crashed into the South China Sea in separate incidents on Sunday while conducting routine operations from the USS Nimitz.
The US Navy confirmed that all five crew members involved were safely rescued and are in stable condition, with investigations into both crashes now underway.
The incidents occurred as US President Donald Trump visits Asia and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth prepares for a regional tour.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force reported that a US Boeing E-4B “doomsday plane” made a brief stop at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for refueling and crew rest, clarifying that no high-level visit was linked to the layover.
The E-4B serves as an airborne command post for top US defense officials in times of crisis.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 28, 2025
