Two U.S. Navy pilots were rescued after their F/A-18 Super Hornet was shot down by friendly fire from the USS Gettysburg on December 22, 2024, over the Red Sea, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The incident is under investigation as tensions continue to escalate between U.S. forces and Iranian-backed Houthi rebels operating in the region.
Officials reported the incident identified as friendly fire, stating, "This incident was not the result of hostile fire, and a full investigation is underway." The USS Gettysburg, part of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, mistakenly fired upon the fighter jet, which had launched from the carrier and was part of Strike Fighter Squadron 11 based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia.
The two pilots, who were flying the F/A-18 aircraft, were able to eject safely from the plane. One suffered minor injuries but both were recovered unscathed. This incident adds to the complex military dynamics currently at play in the Red Sea, as Houthi rebels have increased their targeting of U.S. Navy warships and commercial vessels.
Just prior to the friendly fire incident, U.S. military sources revealed they had conducted airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas within Yemen, aiming to disrupt operations against U.S. naval interests. Over the weekend, CENTCOM reported executing precision strikes targeting missile storage facilities and command centers used by the Houthis, who have been increasingly aggressive lately.
The relationship between the recent airstrikes and the downed F/A-18 remains unclear. Houthi officials claimed responsibility for thedowning of the fighter jet, alleging it was part of their operations against U.S. military assets. Houthi Brigadier General Yahya Qasim Sare'e stated on Telegram, "The operation by the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman strike group resulted in the failure of an American-British attack on our country and the downing of an F-18 plane." U.S. officials have yet to respond publicly to these claims.
Recently, due to the increased military activity, the Red Sea has seen significant hostility, particularly from the Houthis, designated as terrorists by the U.S. State Department. Following the escalation of their operations, they reportedly seized and sunk several vessels, causing considerable alarm among shipping operations.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has also weighed in on the situation, confirming the Houthis’ ties with Iran and vowing to deal with the threat directly. Netanyahu stated, "Just as we acted forcefully against the terrorist arms of Iran’s axis of evil, so we will act against the Houthis."
This broadening conflict, particularly as it relates to the Houthis’ targeting of shipping routes, poses challenges not only for U.S. forces but also for international shipping and security interests. Observers warn of possible retaliatory measures as tensions could escalate beyond the local battlegrounds.
Military experts have voiced concerns about the occurrence of friendly fire incidents, emphasizing the need for thorough reviews and updated operational protocols to prevent similar occurrences. Ryan Graves, former Navy pilot and co-founder of Americans for Safe Aerospace, remarked, "There needs to be processes and procedures put in place to make sure this doesn’t happen again." His comments underline the urgency of addressing operational errors amid complex engagements.
The incident has raised questions about the readiness of the Navy and the protocols surrounding communications and operations during heightened states of alert. Following this incident, forces are likely to face intensified scrutiny as investigations proceed.
While the U.S. military aims to contain the Houthi threat and maintain secure shipping lanes, incidents such as this highlight how quickly operations can turn awry—affecting not just military personnel but impacting geopolitical relations.
The fallout from these actions will likely shape military strategic discussions moving forward, influencing everything from the presence of U.S. forces overseas to diplomatic negotiations with Middle Eastern states as the U.S. grapples with regional instability.
With the recent rise of hostilities, including multiple missile and drone attacks launched by the Houthis against U.S. ships, the international community is keeping watch to see how both the U.S. and allied forces will respond to create stability amid rising tensions.
The September 2024 air attacks have increased the stakes, making clear not only the threats posed by the Houthis but also the repercussions of friendly fire incidents, which have been historically serious and damaging for military operations.
This season, as the U.S. military prepares for what may be escalated operations, maintaining international collaborations and re-evaluations of military strategies will be imperative.
Both the incident and the regional unrest serve as important reminders of the volatility present and the necessity to safeguard personnel as nations navigate newfound threats on multiple fronts.
