United States Navy F/A-18E/F Crash

On October 27, 2025, the United States Navy reported the loss of an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 22 (VFA-22), operating from the USS Nimitz (CVN-68). The aircraft crashed in the South China Sea during routine operations, resulting in a -1 change to the active F/A-18E/F inventory. This incident occurred within 30 minutes of an MH-60R Seahawk crash from the same carrier. Military investigators are currently focusing on technical factors, specifically the possibility of contaminated fuel. Both crew members successfully ejected and were recovered by Carrier Strike Group 11 search and rescue assets.