A high-stakes incident in the Red Sea puts military readiness to the test as a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier faces multiple challenges during its deployment.
According to Daily Caller, the USS Harry S. Truman lost an F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet worth over $60 million overboard while reportedly taking evasive action against the Houthi fire in the Red Sea, resulting in one sailor being injured.
The incident occurred when seamen were towing the aircraft in the hangar bay and lost control, causing both the jet and a tow tractor to fall into the sea. U.S. officials confirmed that the carrier had to perform a hard turn to evade a Houthi drone and missile barrage, which contributed to the accident.
The USS Harry S. Truman's recent mishap adds to a series of operational setbacks in the region. In February, the carrier collided with a merchant vessel near Port Said, Egypt, though no injuries were reported. More concerning was a December incident where the USS Gettysburg, part of the carrier strike group, accidentally shot down another F/A-18 during Red Sea operations.
The U.S. Navy has launched an investigation into the latest incident. Despite the loss of the aircraft, military officials emphasize that the carrier strike group maintains full operational capability.
The strike group consists of the flagship Harry S. Truman, nine squadrons from Carrier Air Wing 1, three guided-missile destroyers, and the cruiser USS Gettysburg. This robust formation continues to project American military presence in the strategically vital Red Sea region.
President Donald Trump's recent executive order on January 22 re-designated the Houthis as a foreign terrorist group, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy toward the Yemen-based organization. This decision came shortly after Trump's return to office.
The U.S. military maintains an active campaign of strikes against Houthi positions in response to their continued threats to maritime navigation. These operations aim to protect international shipping lanes and maintain regional stability.
The Houthis have shown increasing boldness in their attacks on military and civilian vessels. Their claimed missile and drone attack on the USS Truman represents a significant escalation in their confrontational stance.
The loss of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, while primarily a financial setback, raises questions about operational procedures during combat maneuvers. The Navy's dual challenge of maintaining safety protocols while responding to hostile threats highlights the complex nature of modern naval operations.
The incident demonstrates the real-world risks faced by carrier strike groups operating in contested waters. It also underscores the importance of maintaining readiness while dealing with both conventional operational hazards and asymmetric threats.
The ongoing presence of U.S. naval forces in the Red Sea remains crucial for regional security despite these operational challenges. The Navy's commitment to freedom of navigation operations continues unabated.
The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group faces mounting challenges in the Red Sea as Houthi forces continue their aggressive actions. The loss of a $60 million F/A-18 Super Hornet and a tow tractor during evasive maneuvers represents significant material damage, though fortunately, resulted in only one minor injury. The incident, occurring during routine aircraft handling operations, was complicated by the carrier's need to execute emergency maneuvers to avoid incoming Houthi missiles and drones.
