An F/A-18 Super Hornet fell off the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman and sank in the Red Sea during a hard turn while the carrier was executing military operations. The Navy is investigating the incident, which left one sailor injured.
U.S. Navy Fighter Jet Plummets into Red Sea Amid Tactical Maneuvers
U.S. Navy Fighter Jet Plummets into Red Sea Amid Tactical Maneuvers
A recent incident involving the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman saw a Navy jet sink in the Red Sea, raising safety concerns during military operations.
In an alarming incident, a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet jet and a tow tractor tumbling into the Red Sea after losing control on April 29, 2025. The mishap occurred aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Harry S. Truman, which is currently engaged in operations against Houthi militias in Yemen. According to the Navy, one sailor sustained minor injuries, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.
As detailed by multiple Defense Department officials, the jet was being towed in the hangar bay when crew members lost control during a sharp turn intended to reposition the carrier against potential Houthi missile threats. While this maneuver is believed to have contributed to the incident, it may not have been the sole factor causing the aircraft to spill overboard.
In the wake of this incident, a spokesman for the Houthi group claimed responsibility for attacking the Truman with missiles and drones. The Navy highlighted that the sailors taking care of the aircraft acted swiftly, moving clear before the jet fell into the sea.
The Houthis have intensified their assaults on maritime vessels in the Red Sea in apparent support of Hamas amid ongoing tensions in Gaza. The U.S. military launched Operation Rough Rider under President Trump's orders on March 15, targeting Houthi positions in Yemen. Reports indicate American forces have struck over 800 targets, which encompass command centers, air defense systems, and weapons facilities.
Despite the loss of the Super Hornet, the Navy affirmed that the Truman and its strike group remain “fully mission capable.” This event is not isolated; previously, the Truman experienced another mishap in February, colliding with a merchant vessel near Egypt, which resulted in damage to both ships and led to the dismissal of the carrier strike group commander. Additionally, in December, another F/A-18 aircraft launching from the Truman was accidentally shot down by the guided-missile cruiser Gettysburg, though both pilots were safely retrieved.
