On Sunday morning, December 23, 2023, the crew of the USS Gettysburg, a guided-missile cruiser of the US Navy, inadvertently shot down one of its own aircraft, marking the second significant incident of friendly fire during operations against Houthi rebels this year. The downed aircraft was an F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter, manned by two naval aviators who fortunately ejected and were recovered safely, sustaining only minor injuries.
The incident occurred over the Red Sea, currently a theater of intense military activity due to the conflict involving Houthi forces based in Yemen, who have escalated their attacks against both military and civilian vessels. This latest mishap raises serious questions about operational coordination and the inherent risks of misidentification during high-stress combat scenarios.
According to US Central Command, this event was classified as “an apparent case of friendly fire,” and initial assessments indicated it was not the result of hostile action. A full investigation is now underway. Reflecting on the incident, US Central Command stressed the urgency of improving communication and identification systems to prevent such accidents.
This friendly-fire occurrence follows another near-miss incident earlier this year, where a German frigate engaging Houthi threats mistakenly targeted an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, narrowly avoiding destruction due to technical malfunctions within the warship’s radar system. Such occurrences are not isolated; friendly fire, especially within the fog of war, has led to numerous regrettable incidents throughout military history, including famous catastrophes during the Gulf War and other conflicts.
Retired Navy surface warfare captain Bradley Martin commented on the challenges under which Navy personnel operate: "Friendly-fire incidents are likely to eventually occur... there are numerous examples across military conflicts." Martin, who is now affiliated with the RAND Corporation as a senior policy researcher, explained the dynamics at play. "Identification systems can malfunction; human errors can enter the equation, especially with operators having mere moments to make life-and-death decisions," he added.
The complexity of the Red Sea operating environment is underscored by the fact it has become increasingly active over the past year, with US, British, and Israeli naval forces conducting extensive strikes against Houthi targets. This heightened presence is directly linked to the Houthis' increasing attacks with drones and missiles aimed at both military and civilian targets. Both US Central Command and the Houthis reported multiple engagements coinciding with the tragic downing of the F/A-18.
While the USS Gettysburg and the aircraft it shot down were part of broader operations involving naval and air support from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, the actual timeline of when the downing occurred remains unclear. Reports confirm involvement of the Super Hornet during recent strikes aimed at neutralizing Houthi military facilities. The Houthis asserted they engaged US forces with drone strikes and cruise missiles, underscoring the current volatility and hostility within the Red Sea region.
The multi-role F/A-18 Super Hornet, which has been integral to the Navy's air operations for decades, carries significant operational value, with each jet estimated to cost around $60 million. The potential for loss of such valuable assets due to friendly fire intensifies the pressures on Navy personnel who are already dealing with the constant threat of Houthi attacks.
With air defenses and anti-drone operations becoming more chaotic, the risk of friendly-fire incidents increases, as evidenced by this weekend’s occurrence. The Navy has been dealing with intense air attacks for over a year now, marked by increased conflict engagements. "These have been largely successful, but with increased engagements come the risks of mistakes and malfunctions," Martin explained, acknowledging the exceptionally high-stakes combat environment.
This phrase rings true as military forces remain agile and reactive, but the human factor continues to play a significant role under pressure. It’s important for military command to learn from these incidents, as they represent the challenges of modern warfare, where the lines between friend and foe can become dangerously blurred.
The responsibility of operational excellence weighs heavily on personnel deployed to such hostile regions, with high demands for accuracy and communication. Moving forward, continuous training and perhaps even technological advancements are necessary to mitigate the occurrence of these tragic events, which serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous nature of military engagement.
With steady escalation tensions and the increasing complexity of threats, the US Navy and its allies must navigate carefully, always aware of the price of mistakes made under the pressure of combat.
