Two Navy Aircraft Crash; Trump Cites Bad Fuel

An MH-60R Seahawk helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet operating from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz crashed into the South China Sea about 30 minutes apart during routine flight operations. Carrier Strike Group 11 search-and-rescue teams recovered all five aircrew — three from the helicopter and two who ejected from the jet — and officials say they are safe and in stable condition. The Navy has launched investigations into both incidents, and President Donald Trump, traveling in Asia, said investigators suspect "bad fuel" while ruling out foul play. The Nimitz, on what is expected to be its final deployment before decommissioning, is returning to its home port at Naval Base Kitsap in Washington. The twin crashes add to a string of recent Navy aviation mishaps this year involving F/A-18s and have drawn regional attention, including offers of assistance and criticism from Chinese officials.