Phoenix Assists US Navy with Successful Recovery of Two Aircraft in the South China Sea

29 December 2025

Phoenix’s International (Phoenix) recently assisted the Naval Sea System Command (NAVSEA) Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV) with the successful recovery of an MH-60R helicopter and an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter aircraft. The two aircraft went down within 30 minutes of each other 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.

Phoenix personnel traveled to Singapore and mobilized search assets aboard an Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessel of opportunity (VOO) and recovery assets aboard a Construction Support Vessel (CSV) VOO. Once on site in the South China Sea, Phoenix personnel rapidly located both aircraft with towed pinger locator technology and side scan sonar. Phoenix then deployed the SUPSALV Remotely Operated Vehicle HYDROS to conduct the recovery. Working around the clock, through high currents and undersea obstacles, the Phoenix team successfully installed rigging to each aircraft, and on December 5, 2025, both aircraft were successfully brought to the surface and placed on deck aboard VOO.

“Phoenix is proud to support SUPSALV and the US Navy in this critical mission,” said Sean Doherty, Phoenix General Manager. “The professionalism, technical capability, and dedication of our team were key to ensuring the safe and efficient recovery of these assets.”