USS Truman Loses Jet in Red Sea Incident

A U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet and its tow tractor were lost overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea during a towing operation in the hangar bay after the crew lost control, resulting in one minor injury. All personnel were accounted for, and the aircraft, valued at over $60 million, sank to the bottom of the sea. Several reports and officials suggest the carrier may have been conducting evasive maneuvers to avoid Houthi missile and drone attacks, though the Navy has not officially confirmed this as the cause. The carrier strike group remains fully mission capable despite this incident and a prior friendly-fire shootdown of another F/A-18E in December 2024. The Truman continues to play a central role in U.S. military operations against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, focusing on protecting regional shipping lanes. An official investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the jet's loss.