F/A-18E Jet Falls From U.S. Aircraft Carrier After Evading Houthi Missile
An F/A-18E Super Hornet was lost in the Red Sea today after an accident aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, the U.S. Navy confirmed.
According to CNN, citing U.S. officials, the jet fell overboard after the aircraft carrier was forced to make a sudden sharp turn to evade a missile launched by Houthi forces from Yemen.
According to the official U.S. Navy statement, the fighter jet fell into the sea after a towing vehicle lost control while moving the aircraft inside the ship’s hangar bay, conveniently avoiding any mention of the evasive maneuver.
USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) lost an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 and a tow tractor as the aircraft carrier operated in the Red Sea, April 28. All personnel are accounted for, with one Sailor sustaining a minor injury.
U.S. Navy
Reportedly, the sailors cleared away immediately when they realized they had lost control of the aircraft. The incident caused a minor injury to one sailor no other injuries were reported, and all crew members have been accounted for.
Sailors towing the aircraft took immediate action to move clear of the aircraft before it fell overboard. An investigation is underway.
U.S. Navy
The U.S. Navy remains a key force in maintaining open sea lanes under both the Trump and Biden administrations. During President Trump’s administration, the Navy is focusing on 'projecting strength' through frequent patrols and direct challenges to what it calls 'hostile actions', particularly in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz by Yemen's Houthis.