An incident involving a U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet jet has raised concerns following a failed landing attempt on the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier. Initial reports suggest that both the pilot and the weapons systems officer were forced to eject after the aircraft was unable to secure a landing, resulting in the jet crashing into the sea. Fortunately, they were rescued by a helicopter and are reported to have sustained only minor injuries.
Currently, the jet remains unaccounted for, and the specifics surrounding the accident are still under investigation. In a separate but potentially related incident, the Iranian-backed Houthi rebel group reportedly targeted the USS Truman shortly after a ceasefire announcement by former President Donald Trump. However, the links between these two events remain unclear.
The ongoing situation has prompted the U.S. Navy and Central Command to address inquiries about the incidents. Notably, the recent crash comes just a week after another F/A-18 was lost during operations on the Truman, which was attributed to a hard turn made to evade Houthi fire.
The loss of this jet, valued at over $60 million (approximately AUD 92 million), adds to a series of troubling events involving the Truman. U.S. naval forces in the Red Sea have faced ongoing threats from Houthi attacks against shipping since late 2023. An earlier incident in early 2024 saw a U.S. destroyer deploy its Phalanx defence system to thwart an incoming Houthi missile.
The Truman’s deployment has been marred by various mishaps, including a December crash where an F/A-18 was mistakenly targeted by another U.S. vessel and subsequently went down in the Red Sea, with both aviators managing to eject safely. Additionally, in February, the aircraft carrier was involved in a collision with a merchant ship while operating in the Mediterranean, leading to the replacement of its commander.
As investigations continue into the recent jet crash and the broader issues surrounding the USS Truman’s operations, the situation remains critical amid ongoing regional conflicts and heightened military tensions.