Red Sea — On Monday, April 28, 2025, a US Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet, valued at approximately $60–$70 million fighter jet was accidentally lost overboard into the Red Sea after the aircraft carrier it was stationed on made an abrupt evasive maneuver to avoid an incoming missile, reportedly launched by Houthi militants operating out of Yemen.
Cause of the Incident: Evasive Maneuvers Gone Wrong
According to initial reports, the jet was being towed into the ship’s hangar bay when the USS Harry S. Truman made a sharp evasive turn. This maneuver was reportedly in response to a missile or drone threat, allegedly launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The sudden motion caused the towing crew to lose control. As a result, the F/A-18E and its tow tractor both fell overboard.
Details of the Incident
According to a U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) statement, the incident occurred while the Super Hornet was being repositioned on the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman. The aircraft was not airborne at the time and had no pilot onboard. Navy officials confirmed that no personnel were injured.
The aircraft carrier made a sharp maneuver during an attempted missile strike by Houthi forces—part of a series of increasingly bold attacks that have targeted maritime operations in the Red Sea. CENTCOM emphasized that the jet’s loss was purely accidental, triggered by “heavy seas” and defensive maneuvers.
Houthi Rebel Involvement
The Houthi movement, a militant group based in Yemen, claimed responsibility for a missile and drone attack on the same day. The Navy has not yet confirmed whether the evasive maneuver directly correlated with the reported Houthi launch.
This incident comes amid rising tensions in the region, with the US and its allies continuing operations under Operation Prosperity Guardian, a mission focused on protecting commercial shipping from Houthi maritime threats.
Ongoing Investigation
The Navy has launched a formal investigation to determine the precise cause of the incident and assess whether all safety protocols were followed. Military analysts suggest the event underscores the operational hazards posed by regional instability and the complex threat environment in the Red Sea.
Background: USS Harry S. Truman’s Recent Challenges
This isn’t the first operational challenge faced by the USS Harry S. Truman in recent months. Notably:
- In December 2024, a friendly fire incident led to the downing of another F/A-18 jet.
- In February 2025, the carrier was involved in a collision with a merchant vessel during maneuvering operations in the Red Sea.
Despite these setbacks, the carrier continues to play a pivotal role in US military operations in the Middle East.
Rising Tensions in the Region
The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have intensified missile and drone attacks on international shipping and military vessels in the Red Sea, which serves as a vital corridor for global trade and energy supplies. These actions have drawn increasing concern from the U.S. and its allies, who view them as a destabilizing force in a region already strained by geopolitical rivalries.
While the U.S. Navy has successfully intercepted several Houthi missile threats using advanced defense systems like the Aegis Combat System, the recent loss of an aircraft highlights the unpredictable nature of conflict zones at sea.
Conclusion
The loss of the Super Hornet is a significant event amid heightened military tensions in the Red Sea region. While no lives were lost, the incident raises critical questions about operational protocols during high-alert situations. The US Navy’s ongoing investigation is expected to reveal more details in the coming weeks.
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