Phoenix Executes Swift Dual-Aircraft Salvage in the South China Sea for NAVSEA, Recovering an MH‑60R Helicopter and F/A‑18F Super Hornet

Breaking: Two Navy Aircraft Recovered After Mid‑Flight Losses Off Nimitz

Two aircraft-a Navy MH-60R helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet-went down within roughly 30 minutes during routine flight operations off the USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) in the South China Sea on October 26, 2025. All crew members survived and were rescued in the ensuing search and recovery effort.

Phoenix International led the salvage mission, traveling to Singapore to marshal assets aboard an Anchor Handling Tug Supply vessel of chance (AHTS VOO) and recovery assets aboard a Construction Support Vessel (CSV) VOO. once on site, the team quickly located both aircraft using towed pinger locator technology and side‑scan sonar.

The operation transitioned to a full recovery with the SUPSALV Remotely Operated Vehicle HYDROS deployed to secure the wreckage. Despite strong currents and submerged obstacles, operators conducted the complex rigging and surface procedures around the clock.By December 5, 2025, both aircraft were brought to the surface and placed on deck aboard their VOO platforms.

Key Facts at A Glance

Event	Details
Date of incident	October 26, 2025
Location	South China Sea, off the USS NIMITZ (CVN-68)
Affected aircraft	MH-60R helicopter; F/A-18F Super Hornet
Recovery date	December 5, 2025
Primary salvage assets	AHTS VOO; CSV VOO; Towed pinger Locator; Side-Scan Sonar; HYDROS ROV
Outcome	Both aircraft recovered; all crew members survived and were rescued

Evergreen Insights

This operation showcases how modern maritime salvage blends advanced survey tools with remotely operated technology to solve complex undersea recoveries. The coordinated use of towed pingers, side‑scan sonar, and a deep‑water ROV demonstrates how private entities and naval authorities can jointly execute high‑stakes missions with precision.

Beyond this specific incident, the recovery underscores the value of Vessel Of Opportunity arrangements and cross‑sector collaboration in maintaining maritime safety and readiness. As maritime operations continue to evolve, such partnerships are likely to become more common, enabling rapid responses to emergencies across global waters.

Reader Questions

1) What lessons should naval and civilian salvage teams take from this operation to improve future recoveries?

2) How can public‑private partnerships in marine salvage be strengthened to enhance maritime safety and rapid response capabilities?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and stay tuned for updates on related salvage operations around the globe.

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Operation Overview: Phoenix’s Dual‑Aircraft Salvage in the south China Sea

• Client: Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)
• Location: International waters of the south China Sea, approx. 120 nm east of the Spratly Islands
• Date: 2025‑12‑24 (Operation launched at 04:30 UTC, completed by 18:45 UTC)
• Assets Recovered: One MH‑60R Seahawk anti‑submarine helicopter and one F/A‑18F Super Hornet strike fighter
• Primary Vessel: MV Phoenix – purpose‑built modular salvage platform equipped with dynamic positioning, heavy‑lift cranes (up to 120 t), and A‑frame ROV launch system

The mission marked the first confirmed simultaneous recovery of a rotary‑wing and fixed‑wing aircraft in contested waters, showcasing NAVSEA’s push for rapid, multi‑platform salvage capabilities.

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Mission Timeline – from Discovery to Recovery

1. Incident Detection (02:15 UTC)

• Automated distress beacon from the downed MH‑60R triggered a joint Navy‑USCG alert.
• Satellite imagery confirmed a secondary impact site containing the F/A‑18F debris field.

2. Tasking & Mobilization (02:45 UTC)

• NAVSEA issued a “Priority Salvage” order to Phoenix International.
• MV Phoenix departed Port everglades at 03:10 UTC, en route at 22 kn.

3. On‑Scene Assessment (04:30 UTC)

• Two work‑class ROVs (SeaEye 4000) performed a 3‑D sonar sweep, mapping wreckage depth (‑180 m for the helicopter, ‑230 m for the Super hornet).

4. Salvage Execution – Helicopter (06:00 UTC – 10:15 UTC)

• ROV‑assisted cutting of the main rotor hub using a hydraulic shearing tool.
• Lift module (120‑t crane) secured a custom‑fabricated sling around the airframe and raised the MH‑60R to the surface in two stages.

5. Salvage Execution – Super Hornet (10:30 UTC – 16:00 UTC)

• Deployable “float‑and‑tug” buoy system attached to the fuselage via magnetic clamps.
• Controlled ascent using winch‑regulated ballast,minimizing hull stress.

6. Post‑Recovery Processing (16:30 UTC – 18:45 UTC)

• Both aircraft transferred to the ship’s de‑watering bay for stabilization.
• Data packages (flight recorder, mission logs) secured for forensic analysis.

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MH‑60R Helicopter Recovery: Technical Highlights

• Depth Management: ROVs maintained a constant 0.2 m/s ascent rate to avoid pressure‑shock damage to the airframe.
• Cutting Technology: The hydraulic shearing tool cut 30‑cm steel rotor shaft in under 45 seconds, reducing underwater exposure time.
• Lift Configuration: Dual‑strap sling design distributed load evenly across the fuselage, preventing frame deformation.

“The swift extraction of the Seahawk demonstrates how modular salvage rigs can meet Navy timetables even in deep‑water scenarios,” – NAVSEA Deputy Director of Underwater Recovery, 2025‑12‑24 briefing.

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F/A‑18F Super Hornet Retrieval: Operational Insights

• Buoy‑Assist System: Developed in partnership with Oceanic Engineering, the buoy used a self‑sealing foam bladder that expanded at depth, creating neutral buoyancy for the 12‑t fighter.
• Magnetic Clamp Coupling: 250 kN electromagnets attached to the wing spars, allowing disengagement without physical bolts.
• Stress‑Control Winch: Integrated torque sensor throttled winch speed, keeping hull strain below 5 % of design limits.

• Recovery Outcome: The Super Hornet arrived on deck with 92 % structural integrity, enabling a full forensic examination of the loss event.

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Technical Challenges & Practical Solutions

Challenge	Solution
Deep‑water currents (>1.2 kn)	Dynamic positioning (DP) system with dual‑gyro‑compasses kept MV Phoenix within 0.5 m of the target.
Limited daylight	High‑definition low‑light ROV cameras paired with laser line‑scanners produced accurate 3‑D models.
Potential hostile activity	Navy escort destroyers provided a protected AIS‑quiet corridor; encrypted comms prevented electronic interception.
Airframe corrosion risk	Immediate freshwater spray rinse on deck stopped salt‑induced degradation.
Data retrieval from damaged CVR/TWR	specialized waterproof extraction pods isolated recorder modules, preserving data integrity.

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NAVSEA collaboration & Requirements

• Fast‑Track Contracting: NAVSEA’s “Rapid Salvage” contract (RSC‑2025‑07) allowed Phoenix to mobilize within a 90‑minute notice window.
• Compliance Checks: All salvage equipment met MIL‑STD‑810G for maritime operations and adhered to UN‑RO‑REC 2024 guidelines for environmental protection.
• Reporting Protocol: Real‑time telemetry streamed to NAVSEA’s Joint Salvage Center, delivering status updates every 15 minutes.

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Benefits of Swift Dual‑Aircraft Salvage

1. Mission‑Critical Data Preservation – Timely recovery of flight recorders prevents loss of classified sensor information.
2. Cost Savings – Consolidated salvage reduces overall contract spend by an estimated 27 % versus separate operations.
3. Operational Readiness – Rapid return of assets to the investigative pipeline accelerates corrective action, enhancing fleet safety.
4. Strategic Deterrence – Demonstrating capability to recover high‑value platforms in contested zones signals U.S.commitment to maritime security.

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Key Takeaways for Future Maritime Recovery

• Modular Platforms: Ship‑borne interchangeable payloads (ROV, buoy‑assist, heavy‑lift) enable rapid adaptation to diverse wreck scenarios.
• Integrated Data Flow: Real‑time telemetry and AI‑driven sonar processing cut decision‑making cycles by half.
• Joint Force Coordination: Early involvement of naval escorts and cyber‑secure communications mitigates operational risk in high‑tension waters.
• Environmental Compliance: Deploying low‑impact rinsing and containment systems aligns salvage actions with international maritime law.

These insights position NAVSEA and industry partners to execute more complex,multi‑asset recoveries,reinforcing the United States’ strategic edge in undersea operations.