Another U.S. Navy Fighter Jet Lost As USS Truman Faces Increased Risks

A second fighter jet from the USS Harry S. Truman went overboard during a landing in the Red Sea, echoing a previous incident earlier this month. Minor injuries were reported among the pilots, highlighting ongoing challenges for U.S. Navy operations in the area.

For the second consecutive week, the United States Navy faced a troubling incident involving the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, as yet another fighter jet was lost in the Red Sea. On Tuesday, an F/A-18 Super Hornet, valued at approximately $67 million, was landing on the carrier's deck when a malfunction in the arrestment system, which assists in stopping the aircraft, led to the plane going overboard, according to announcements from the United States Central Command.

The two pilots aboard the aircraft managed to eject safely and only suffered minor injuries. They were quickly retrieved by a helicopter, avoiding any further casualties. This incident follows closely on the heels of another mishap involving an F/A-18 Super Hornet and a tow tractor that fell off the Truman due to loss of control during maneuvers aimed at countering threats from Houthi missiles and drones.

The Houthis have been active in the region, launching attacks against both commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea as part of their stated support for residents in Gaza and Hamas. On the same day as the jet incident, a ceasefire agreement was reached between U.S. forces and the Houthis, with the latter promising to halt their assaults on American ships.

President Trump commented on the agreement, emphasizing the importance of their commitment not to target vessels anymore. This comes after a series of airstrikes ordered against the Houthis, including the significant Operation Rough Rider initiated in March, which has reportedly cost over $1 billion and engaged over 800 targets across Yemen.

This jet loss represents just part of a troubling trend for the USS Truman, which has encountered several serious incidents since its deployment in September. The carrier suffered damage from a collision with a merchant ship near Port Said, Egypt, in February, and in December, another Super Hornet was shot down by friendly fire from the USS Gettysburg, a guided-missile cruiser accompanying the Truman. Fortunately, both pilots from the downed aircraft were also safely recovered.