US Navy Races to Recover Crashed Aircraft from South China Sea

The US Navy is currently engaged in efforts to recover a crashed F/A-18 Super Hornet and an MH-60 helicopter from the depths of the South China Sea. The two aircraft went down approximately thirty minutes apart in late October 2023 while operating from the USS Nimitz. All personnel onboard have been rescued, but the Navy has yet to determine the cause of the crashes. Former President Donald Trump suggested that “contaminated fuel” might be a factor.

A salvage vessel, the USNS Salvor (T-ARS 52), has already arrived at the site. According to Cmdr. Matthew Comer of the 7th Fleet, the Salvor—capable of lifting up to 300 tons—will conduct operations to retrieve the wreckage. This capability significantly exceeds the weight of either aircraft, presenting an opportunity for a successful recovery.

Experts warn that the wreckage could provide valuable insights to China if they reach it first. Carl Schuster, a former director of operations at the US Pacific Command’s Joint Intelligence Center, emphasized the potential benefits for Beijing. He stated, “Acquiring an air frame and surviving systems will provide valuable insights into its technological strengths and how to defeat it tactically.” Access to a crashed F/A-18 could help China refine its carrier-based J-15T jets.

The MH-60 helicopter’s anti-submarine warfare systems could also enhance the capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, which is actively modernizing its fleet. Schuster noted that recovering the helicopter should be a high priority due to its strategic significance.

Geographic factors may favor China in this retrieval effort. Schuster pointed out, “If China makes it a race, it enjoys homefield advantage, and can be expected to impede our recovery efforts.” The crashes took place in waters that Beijing claims as its own, despite an international tribunal ruling that disputes these claims.

China’s Foreign Ministry has expressed willingness to offer humanitarian assistance but criticized the US military presence in the region. Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the ministry, stated that the incidents occurred during “US military exercises” and argued that US actions are the root cause of security issues in the South China Sea. He added, “The US has been flexing muscles by frequently sending military vessels and aircraft to the South China Sea. This is the root cause of security issues at sea and disruption to regional peace and stability.”

The US Navy’s last high-profile recovery operation occurred in 2022 when it successfully retrieved a lost F-35 from a depth of 12,400 feet. Given the ongoing strategic competition and decades of Chinese military expansion in the region, the race to recover these aircraft carries implications that extend beyond the hardware itself. The outcome could influence future military dynamics in the South China Sea, as both nations seek to assert their capabilities in this increasingly contested area.