Hard Turn to Evade Attack Led to Accident
The US Navy lost a $93 million F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet after it fell overboard from the USS Harry S Truman. The incident occurred while the jet was being towed inside the aircraft carrier’s hangar bay.
According to Navy officials, the carrier made a sharp evasive turn in the Red Sea to avoid incoming Houthi fire. This sudden maneuver contributed to the loss of control over the aircraft during towing.
Houthi Attack Creates Chaos
The Houthi rebel group in Yemen claimed responsibility for the drone and missile attack. The Harry S Truman was operating in the Red Sea as part of a major US anti-Houthi operation.
Initial reports said the carrier’s hard maneuver came in direct response to the attack. During the chaos, the move crew towing the F/A-18E Super Hornet could not maintain control. Both the jet and its tow tractor were lost overboard.
Fortunately, all personnel aboard the Truman were accounted for. One sailor sustained a minor injury during the event, Navy officials confirmed.
Immediate Actions Taken
The Navy released a statement detailing the incident. “Sailors towing the aircraft took immediate action to move clear of the aircraft before it fell overboard,” the statement read. An investigation has already begun.
A second US official told CNN that the aircraft had sunk quickly after falling into the sea. An F/A-18E Super Hornet costs approximately $60 million US dollars, or $93 million Australian dollars, according to Navy estimates.
This marks another troubling incident involving the Harry S Truman in recent months.
History of Recent Trouble
The Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group remains deployed in the Middle East. Despite this setback, Navy leaders stressed that the strike group and its air wing “remain fully mission capable.”
The carrier has faced repeated attacks from the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen since arriving in the region. In February 2025, the Truman collided with a merchant vessel near Egypt. Fortunately, there were no injuries in that incident.
More troublingly, in December 2024, another F/A-18 from the Truman was mistakenly shot down by the USS Gettysburg during operations in the Red Sea. Both pilots managed to eject safely and were rescued.
Bigger Challenges Ahead
This latest incident highlights the growing challenges facing US forces operating near Yemen. The Houthi attacks, once considered a minor threat, have become increasingly sophisticated and aggressive.
US officials continue to review security measures for carriers operating near hostile zones. They stress the need for constant vigilance, quick action, and improved procedures when operating under fire.
For now, the focus remains on investigating the mishap and maintaining operational readiness. The Harry S Truman Strike Group is expected to continue its deployment despite the recent losses.
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