For the second time in less than two weeks, a United States Navy fighter jet operating from the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman has gone overboard in the Red Sea. The incident occurred on Tuesday when the F/A-18 Super Hornet suffered an arrestment system failure during landing, as reported by the United States Central Command. Fortunately, the two pilots onboard managed to eject and sustain only minor injuries, later being rescued by helicopter, with no additional personnel harmed.
This event continues a troubling trend for the Truman, which has experienced several significant mishaps since its deployment to the Middle East last September. Just a week prior, another F/A-18 Super Hornet and a tow tractor fell off the carrier due to loss of control during tactical maneuvers to counteract threats from Houthi missiles and drones, according to Defense Department sources.
The Houthi forces have been actively targeting both commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea for over a year, claiming these attacks as solidarity actions with Palestinians, particularly those in Gaza. Responding to the ongoing violence, the U.S. government has recently negotiated a deal with the Houthis, intending to halt American airstrikes in exchange for a commitment to cease attacks on U.S. vessels in the region. President Trump commented on the situation, stating, "They have capitulated, but more importantly, we will take their word. They say they will not be blowing up ships anymore."
Since the initiation of operational airstrikes, known as Operation Rough Rider, by President Trump on March 15 and previously under the Biden administration, American forces have conducted extensive military actions, targeting over 800 locations in Yemen, costing more than $1 billion.
Apart from the two incidents involving lost aircraft, the Truman has been involved in other significant accidents, including a collision with a merchant vessel near Port Said, Egypt, in February, and an incident in December where another F/A-18 was inadvertently shot down by the U.S.S. Gettysburg, a guided-missile cruiser escorting the Truman. Fortunately, the pilots in that event were safely recovered without injury.
