USS Harry S. Truman Loses Third F/A-18 Super Hornet in Red Sea

A second F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier crashed into the Red Sea during a failed landing, marking the third such loss from the carrier during its current deployment. Both aviators safely ejected and were rescued with minor injuries, with no harm to flight deck personnel. The incident appears to have been caused by a failure in the arresting gear system, which is responsible for stopping aircraft upon landing. This latest mishap follows a previous Super Hornet loss from the Truman just a week earlier during evasive maneuvers from a suspected Houthi attack, and another in December due to friendly fire. The Truman and its air wing have been heavily involved in operations against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, but a ceasefire has reportedly been reached, though attacks continue. Recovery operations for the lost jets may be complicated by the security situation in the region.