On May 6, 2025, an F/A-18 Super Hornet from the USS Harry S. Truman crashed into the Red Sea during a landing attempt, marking the second incident involving the aircraft carrier in just over a week. Fortunately, both crew members, a pilot and a weapon systems officer, successfully ejected and were recovered with only minor injuries.
The incident occurred when the aircraft experienced a failure in its arrestment system, which is designed to catch landing jets using a hook that grabs steel wire ropes on the flight deck. This malfunction caused the jet to overrun the landing area and plunge into the sea ahead of the carrier, as reported by multiple sources.
According to CNN, this crash is the third Super Hornet lost from the Truman during its current deployment. Just last week, another F/A-18E was lost overboard, and in December, a different F/A-18F was shot down in a friendly fire incident involving the USS Gettysburg during engagements with Houthi forces.
As the U.S. military continues its operations against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, the recent incidents raise concerns about the operational safety aboard the USS Harry S. Truman. The carrier has been pivotal in the ongoing airstrike campaign against the Houthis, which has intensified since mid-March.
In a statement, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the recent mishap and highlighted the professionalism of the crew aboard the Truman. The command has been actively involved in air operations, including strikes from both the Truman and the USS Carl Vinson, which has also been deployed in the region.
"The arrestment failed," said a defense official who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the incident. The official confirmed that the two pilots were rescued by a helicopter and suffered minor injuries, while no personnel on the flight deck were harmed.
This incident comes amid reports of a ceasefire between the U.S. and the Houthis, although the rebels have not officially acknowledged this agreement. President Donald Trump and Oman’s foreign minister announced the ceasefire, which would halt attacks on ships in the Red Sea corridor. However, the Houthis have continued to assess damage from Israeli airstrikes on their positions in Yemen.
In the wake of the recent crashes, there is likely to be a thorough investigation into the operational procedures aboard the Truman. The aircraft carrier has had its deployment extended multiple times, reflecting the ongoing and complex nature of military operations in the region. The Truman has also faced other challenges, including a collision with a merchant vessel earlier this year and the loss of an E-2D Hawkeye due to an in-flight mishap.
As the U.S. military ramps up its air campaign, the recovery of the downed aircraft in the Red Sea is expected to be a priority. With sensitive materials and technology potentially at risk, an extensive recovery operation will be necessary, contingent upon the subsiding threat of Houthi missile and drone attacks.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, resulting in the sinking of two ships and the deaths of four sailors. This aggressive campaign has significantly disrupted trade through the Red Sea, which typically sees around $1 trillion worth of goods annually.
The U.S. military's response to the Houthi threat has included airstrikes from various platforms, including B-2 Spirit stealth bombers operating from Diego Garcia. The operations, codenamed Operation Rough Rider, have seen participation from U.S. allies, including the UK, which has also engaged Houthi targets using Typhoon aircraft.
As the situation continues to evolve, the USS Truman remains a central player in the U.S. military's strategic response to the Houthi conflict. The carrier's future operations will be closely monitored, especially as the USS Gerald R. Ford prepares to potentially take over its duties once the Truman returns home.
The loss of yet another fighter jet underscores the risks involved in military operations in a volatile region, and the Navy is expected to conduct a thorough review of its landing procedures to prevent such incidents in the future.
