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In a troubling development, a second F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier has crashed into the Red Sea, marking the second loss of a jet from the carrier in just over a week. The incident occurred during a routine landing attempt on the carrier, and while the investigation is still ongoing, initial reports suggest that a malfunction in the arresting system led to the jet’s crash.
Incident Details on Ejection and Rescue
The two aviators—pilot and weapons systems officer—were able to eject before the jet plunged into the sea. They were swiftly rescued by a nearby helicopter and, thankfully, survived with only minor injuries. However, the fighter jet itself was not recoverable, leaving it lost at sea.
Second Crash in Less Than Two Weeks
This crash comes just days after another F/A-18 Super Hornet from the Truman carrier also fell into the sea. According to reports, the initial incident occurred when the carrier executed an evasive maneuver to avoid incoming fire from Houthi rebels. The rapid turn reportedly caused the jet to fall overboard.
Potential Link to Houthi Rebels
On the same day as the latest jet incident, the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group reportedly targeted the Truman carrier, despite a recent ceasefire announcement from former President Donald Trump. Whether the two events are related remains unclear, and investigations are still in progress.
Previous Incidents Involving the Truman
The USS Truman’s deployment in the Red Sea has been marred by several incidents. In December, an F/A-18 fighter jet was mistakenly fired upon by the USS Gettysburg and subsequently crashed into the Red Sea, though the aviators ejected safely. In February, the Truman collided with a merchant ship near Egypt in the Mediterranean Sea, leading to the removal of its commander at the time.
Houthi Attacks on US Naval Assets
Since November 2023, US naval assets in the Red Sea have been under frequent attack by Houthi rebels, who have targeted Red Sea shipping routes and military vessels. In early 2024, a US destroyer came close to being struck by a Houthi-fired cruise missile but narrowly avoided impact thanks to its defense system.
Aircraft Losses and the Financial Impact
Each F/A-18 fighter jet costs over $60 million, highlighting the significant financial losses from these incidents. The US Navy has yet to release an official statement, but the Office of the Secretary of Defense has referred all inquiries to the Navy and US Central Command. At this time, no additional comments have been provided.
