nimitz aircraft The U.S. Navy has confirmed that the USS Nimitz suffered two aircraft losses within 30 minutes, prompting the carrier to return to port for evaluation. The incidents involved a fighter jet and a helicopter, both operating under standard procedures when technical issues led to catastrophic failures.
All pilots and crew were rescued swiftly, thanks to rapid response measures by the carrier’s team. However, the Navy has ordered a full operational review to prevent similar mishaps in future deployments.
The USS Nimitz, commissioned in 1975, is one of the oldest carriers in active service, and analysts suggest aging systems and high operational stress may have played a role. Despite the losses, officials emphasized that the carrier group remains “mission capable” and that safety remains the Navy’s top priority.
