US Navy Faces Repeated Losses of F/A-18 Jets from USS Harry S. Truman in Red Sea
May 7, 2025
The USS Harry S. Truman, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, has encountered a string of costly incidents in the Red Sea, with two F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets, each valued at over $60 million, lost in just over a week. These incidents, compounded by ongoing Houthi attacks and operational challenges, highlight the intense pressures faced by US naval forces in the region. This article explores the circumstances surrounding these losses, their implications, and the broader context of US Navy operations in the Red Sea.
Second F/A-18 Lost in Arrestment Failure
The most recent incident involved an F/A-18 Super Hornet crashing into the Red Sea due to an apparent arrestment failure during a landing attempt on the USS Harry S. Truman. According to sources familiar with the matter, the pilot and weapons systems officer ejected safely but sustained minor injuries. A rescue helicopter recovered both aviators, though the jet sank and has not been retrieved. The Navy has launched an investigation to determine the precise cause of the failure, which underscores the technical complexities of carrier-based operations.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another loss just a week prior, when a different F/A-18 fell overboard from the Truman’s hangar bay. In that case, the Navy reported that the carrier executed a sharp maneuver to evade Houthi fire, causing the jet, which was under tow, to slide into the sea. One sailor in the cockpit sustained minor injuries after jumping clear of the aircraft. The tow tractor and jet were lost, and an investigation is underway to assess the circumstances.
Houthi Attacks Intensify Pressure
Both incidents occurred against the backdrop of repeated attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have targeted US naval assets and commercial shipping in the Red Sea since November 2023. The Houthis claim their actions are in protest of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. On the same day as the latest jet loss, sources reported that the Houthis fired on the Truman, despite a supposed ceasefire announced by then-President Donald Trump. While it’s unclear if the attack directly contributed to the arrestment failure, the timing raises questions about the operational strain on the carrier.
The Truman has faced Houthi aggression before. In December 2024, an F/A-18 operating from the carrier was mistakenly shot down by the USS Gettysburg, a cruiser in the Truman’s strike group. Both aviators ejected safely, but the incident highlighted coordination challenges under combat conditions. Earlier in 2024, a US destroyer in the Red Sea narrowly avoided a Houthi cruise missile, relying on its Phalanx Close-In Weapon System to neutralize the threat just a mile away.
Operational and Leadership Challenges
The Truman’s Red Sea deployment has been marred by additional setbacks. In February 2025, the carrier collided with a merchant ship near Egypt in the Mediterranean Sea, leading to the relief of its then-commander, Captain Dave Snowden. Captain Christopher Hill assumed command, inheriting a vessel under intense scrutiny. These incidents, combined with the loss of two costly jets, raise concerns about the carrier’s operational readiness and the toll of sustained combat operations.
Nimitz-class carriers like the Truman are engineering marvels, capable of speeds exceeding 34 mph and sharp maneuvers to evade threats. Former US Navy Captain Carl Schuster described the “zig-zag” tactic used to dodge missile attacks, which involves rapid 30- to 40-degree turns that displace the ship significantly. However, such maneuvers can destabilize equipment and aircraft, as seen in the jet that fell overboard during a high-speed turn.
Broader Implications for US Navy
The loss of two F/A-18s, each costing over $60 million, represents a significant financial and strategic blow. The Truman Carrier Strike Group remains mission-capable, according to the Navy, but the incidents underscore the risks of operating in contested waters. The Houthis’ persistent attacks, coupled with recent US airstrikes on Houthi targets, suggest an escalating cycle of retaliation. The rebel group has vowed to continue targeting US warships, citing solidarity with Palestine and resistance to US “aggression” in Yemen.
The USS Harry S. Truman’s recent losses highlight the multifaceted challenges of modern naval warfare, from technical failures to enemy fire and operational mishaps. As investigations into both incidents proceed, the Navy must address vulnerabilities in carrier operations and adapt to the evolving threat posed by Houthi forces. For now, the Red Sea remains a volatile theater, testing the resilience of US naval power.