The US Navy has deployed a salvage vessel to the South China Sea to recover wreckage from a fighter jet and a helicopter that crashed there last month. On 21/11, 7th Fleet US Navy spokesperson Matthew Comer confirmed the USNS Salvor, a Safeguard-class rescue ship, is on-site assisting efforts to retrieve the MH-60R helicopter and F/A-18F fighter jet. The crashes occurred in late October.

The USNS Salvor operating near Hawaii in 2018. *Photo: USCG*

The recovery operation carries strategic importance due to the sensitive technology aboard both aircraft, which could attract adversaries. Howard Altman, a writer for the military publication War Zone, highlighted that the F/A-18F and MH-60R contain advanced systems. Washington aims to quickly retrieve the aircraft to prevent potential intelligence leaks. Altman noted Trung Quoc's substantial presence and salvage capabilities in the region, suggesting Trung Quoc also has programs to analyze foreign military equipment for intelligence or domestic development.

The incidents involved an MH-60R helicopter and an F/A-18F fighter jet, both assigned to the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier. These aircraft, from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73 and Fighter Squadron 22 respectively, crashed 30 minutes apart while on mission in the South China Sea. All five crew members from both aircraft were safely rescued.

Investigators are examining the cause of the crashes, with preliminary theories pointing away from malicious acts. US President Donald Trump previously suggested contaminated fuel as a possible factor. US Navy officials believe no "foul play" was involved, and their investigation is ongoing, with no preliminary findings yet released.

Despite active efforts, specific details regarding the salvage progress remain undisclosed. Commander Comer did not provide the USNS Salvor's current location, nor did he confirm if the US Navy had precisely located the aircraft wreckage or the timeline for the recovery. US Navy officials had previously announced on 14/11 that forces were mobilized to verify the site and begin recovery operations.

Pham Giang (According to War Zone)