US Navy loses $60 million jet at sea after it fell overboard from aircraft carrier
A US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet was lost at sea after falling overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier during a towing operation, reportedly due to evasive maneuvers to avoid Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The incident occurred while the Truman was deployed as part of an anti-Houthi operation, and although the aircraft was lost, all personnel were accounted for with only one minor injury reported. The cost of the lost jet exceeds $60 million, and an investigation into the incident is underway. Despite the loss, the Truman Carrier Strike Group remains fully operational, having faced multiple attacks and incidents, including a previous collision and friendly fire. The repeated targeting by the Iran-backed Houthis highlights the ongoing risks faced by the US military in this region.
The F/A-18 Super Hornet fell overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman while being towed, a mishap linked to abrupt maneuvers to evade Houthi fire, and resulted in the aircraft sinking into the sea.
The USS Harry S. Truman was in the Red Sea as part of a major US military operation against the Houthi rebels, who claimed responsibility for the attack involving drones and missiles.
Despite the loss of the aircraft, all crew members were accounted for, with only one sailor sustaining a minor injury during the incident, and immediate actions were taken to avoid further harm.
The incident adds to an already eventful deployment for the Truman, which has been targeted multiple times by Houthi forces and previously collided with a merchant ship and experienced a friendly fire incident.
The lost F/A-18 fighter jet is valued at over $60 million, and the US Navy has launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances and prevent future occurrences.
The Truman Carrier Strike Group continues to operate at full capacity in the Middle East, despite the challenges faced, reflecting the resilience and preparedness of the US military forces.
The ongoing conflict with Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, underscores the strategic and operational challenges in the region, with the US Navy frequently encountering hostile actions.