The United States Navy has launched an urgent search for a missing aircrewman after an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier made an emergency water landing in the Arabian Sea early on July 1, 2026. The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 a.m. Eastern Time, according to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet command center.
Three Crew Members Rescued, One Missing
The helicopter was carrying four crew members at the time of the emergency landing. Three of them have been recovered and are in stable condition aboard the USS George H.W. Bush. The fourth crew member remains missing, and search operations are ongoing. The US Navy has deployed multiple assets in the region to assist in the search effort.
In a statement posted on social media, the US 5th Fleet said: “On July 1 at 3:30 a.m. ET, the aircrew of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) conducted an emergency water landing in the Arabian Sea. There is no indication the emergency was caused by hostile action. Three of the helicopter’s four crew members have been recovered and are in stable condition aboard George H. W. Bush. U.S. Navy assets in the region are currently searching for the other aircrewman still missing. The cause of the incident is under investigation.”
No Hostile Action Suspected
Navy officials have stated that the emergency landing is not believed to have been caused by hostile action. The USS George H.W. Bush, one of the largest American warships, has been operating in the region amid ongoing tensions with Iran, including the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
The US Navy has not released the names of the crew members involved, pending notification of next of kin. The search continues as naval assets scour the area for the missing aircrewman. Metro has contacted the Pentagon for additional details.
