Norfolk, Virginia — A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet has been deemed lost at sea after it fell overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier while being towed aboard the ship. The incident was confirmed by a Navy statement released on Monday.
According to initial information, the Truman executed a sharp turn to evade fire from Houthi forces, a maneuver that may have contributed to the aircraft falling from its hold. The Houthi rebel group announced on the same day that they had launched a missile and drone strike targeting the carrier, which is involved in ongoing U.S. military operations in the Red Sea aimed at curbing Houthi activities.
All crew members aboard the Truman have been accounted for, with one sailor reporting a minor injury. The Navy clarified that while the F/A-18 was being maneuvered in the hangar bay, the crew lost control, leading to both the jet and the tow tractor plunging into the sea. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event is currently underway.
A defense source indicated that the aircraft has sunk, representing a significant loss for the Navy, as an F/A-18 can cost upwards of $60 million. The incident underscores the ongoing risks faced by U.S. military operations in a volatile region.
The USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group has been deployed in the Middle East, reinforcing its military presence amid heightened tensions. The Navy reiterated that the strike group and its air wing remain “fully mission capable,” despite this setback.
In recent months, the Truman has been a target of repeated attacks from Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Earlier incidents include a collision with a merchant vessel off the Egyptian coast in February, which did not result in injuries, and a near-miss in December when another F/A-18 from the carrier was mistakenly engaged and shot down by the USS Gettysburg. Fortunately, both pilots were able to eject safely.
The situation in the region remains fluid, highlighting the complexities of military operations amid increasing hostilities. As the investigation progresses, the Navy continues to monitor threats and maintain its operational capabilities in a critical area of geopolitical concern.