The US Navy’s Safeguard-class rescue and salvage ship, the USNS Salvor, has successfully completed the recovery of two carrier-based aircraft that had crashed into the South China Sea earlier this year.
On December 5, 2025, the wreckage of both a US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet and an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, which crashed on October 26, was successfully retrieved. The two aircraft were deployed aboard the USS Nimitz, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, and were performing routine operations when the incidents occurred just minutes apart.
Remarkably, all five crewmembers from the two aircraft were safely rescued later the same day, ensuring a successful outcome despite the challenging circumstances.
The Recovery Operation
The USNS Salvor arrived at the incident site in early November to begin the recovery operation. The vessel utilized a contractor-operated unmanned system to aid in the operation. Working in collaboration with Naval Sea Systems Command’s Supervisor of Salvage and Diving, as well as Commander Task Group 73.6’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit, the team carried out the recovery under difficult conditions.
While the Navy has not disclosed the exact location of the recovery, the successful retrieval of both aircraft marks a key achievement in naval salvage operations.
The operation highlights the Navy’s commitment to the safety of its personnel and the effectiveness of its advanced technology in complex recovery missions. The USNS Salvor’s role in these efforts underscores the importance of the Navy’s specialized rescue and salvage vessels in responding to emergencies at sea.
This successful recovery further demonstrates the high level of coordination and skill involved in naval operations, ensuring that even in challenging environments like the South China Sea, the US Navy remains ready to handle unforeseen circumstances swiftly and effectively.
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