Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet Accidentally Lost in Red Sea Off USS Harry S. Truman
The U.S. Navy confirmed on Monday that an F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet fell into the Red Sea while stationed aboard the USS Harry S. Truman. The aircraft was lost during operations aimed at combating Houthi terrorists in the region.
The USS Harry S. Truman encountered difficulties when the jet and a tow tractor inadvertently went overboard. The incident occurred while the aircraft was being towed in a hangar bay, and crew members lost control, resulting in the aircraft plunging into the sea.
According to Navy officials, sailors acted swiftly and took immediate measures to distance themselves from the aircraft before it fell. Fortunately, all naval personnel were successfully accounted for after the incident, though one sailor suffered minor injuries.
Investigation Underway
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident, the Navy is examining the events that led to the loss of the aircraft. Fox News Digital reached out to the Navy for further details regarding the ongoing inquiry.
Financial Implications of the Loss
The F/A-18 Super Hornet carries an estimated cost of approximately $67.4 million, according to estimations from Navy Air Systems Command. This makes its loss a significant incident in terms of military expense and resource management.
Previous Incidents Aboard USS Harry S. Truman
This unfortunate event is not the first of its kind involving the USS Harry S. Truman. In July 2022, another F/A-18 Super Hornet fell into the sea near Naples, Italy, after being buffeted by unexpected heavy winds. Such incidents raise questions about the safety protocols in place for handling aircraft aboard naval carriers.
Additionally, a separate incident in December 2024 saw an F/A-18 Super Hornet reportedly shot down in a friendly fire scenario over the Red Sea. These occurrences highlight the challenges faced by the Navy in maintaining operational readiness and safety.
Ongoing Military Operations
Despite the recent loss of the fighter jet, naval officials assured that the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group remains fully operational. This strike group includes the Truman aircraft carrier along with nine squadrons from Carrier Air Wing 1 and three guided-missile destroyers from Destroyer Squadron 28. The Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Gettysburg also supports the group.
Context of Naval Operations in the Red Sea
The USS Harry S. Truman has been active in the Red Sea, conducting strikes against Houthi militants in Yemen. The Iranian-backed Houthi group has claimed responsibility for numerous recent attacks on the USS Harry S. Truman and other vessels navigating these waters. The operational tempo has escalated as a direct response to military action launched against them by the U.S. on March 15.
These hostilities are part of the broader conflict involving the Houthis, who have bolstered their aggressiveness following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Intensified Military Campaigns
In the wake of heightened tensions, the U.S. military has intensified its operations, targeting over 800 sites since mid-March. This offensive aims to significantly weaken the Houthi capabilities and safeguard maritime navigation in the Red Sea.
The implications of such military engagements extend beyond immediate combat outcomes, impacting international shipping routes and regional stability. As the United States addresses threats in this key area, maintaining a robust naval presence remains a pivotal strategy.
A Look Ahead
As investigations continue into the loss of the F/A-18, the Navy will likely review its procedures and safety measures aboard aircraft carriers. Learning from such incidents is essential to prevent future occurrences and ensure the integrity of military operations.
In summary, the recent accident involving the F/A-18 Super Hornet underscores the challenges faced by Navy personnel during increasingly complex operations in volatile regions such as the Red Sea. With adaptive strategies and rigorous oversight, the U.S. Navy aims to navigate these difficulties while upholding its commitments to national security.
