US warship involved in South China Sea fighter jet crash returns to San Diego
- USS Carl Vinson is back in its home port after eight months in the Indo-Pacific region
- Seven people were injured when an F-35C crash-landed on its flight deck in January
The US Navy said the strike group had conducted dual carrier operations and multinational exercises during its 262 days in the region, including in the South China and Philippine seas, before returning to its home port on Monday.
“The tireless dedication and professionalism of our sailors, through a global pandemic, challenging operational tempo, and sacrificed time away from family, is truly humbling,” Captain P. Scott Miller, commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, said in a statement.
“Their efforts have demonstrated flexibility and resiliency and ensured mission success in every task. They have directly supported a free and open Indo-Pacific and have underscored our navy’s readiness, strength and lethality.”
The strike group carried out operations and drills alongside partners and allies including navies from Australia, Canada, Germany, India, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Britain, as well as the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force.