In a concerning series of events, the U.S. Navy has reported the loss of another fighter jet from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, the second incident in under two weeks. The latest mishap occurred while the jet was attempting to land on the carrier's flight deck in the Red Sea on Tuesday. According to the U.S. Central Command, the plane's arresting system failed, leading to the aircraft going overboard. Fortunately, both pilots aboard the F/A-18 Super Hornet managed to eject safely, sustaining only minor injuries, and were subsequently rescued by a helicopter.
This incident follows a previous loss, involving a different F/A-18 Super Hornet and a tow tractor, which was reported just a week prior. That event transpired as the Truman was repositioning in response to perceived threats from Houthi missiles and drones. Over recent months, the Houthi militia has launched numerous attacks targeting both commercial and military vessels operating in the Red Sea, claiming these acts are expressions of solidarity with Gaza residents and Hamas.
In a notable development, U.S. officials reached an agreement with the Houthis on Tuesday to halt American airstrikes in exchange for a commitment from the militia to cease attacks on American ships in the region. President Trump commented on the situation, stating, “They have capitulated, but more importantly, we will take their word.” The President had previously initiated an air campaign, dubbed Operation Rough Rider, against the Houthis, incurring significant military costs and resulting in over 800 targeted strikes.
The USS Harry S. Truman has faced a series of critical incidents during its time deployed in the Middle East since September. Earlier in the year, the carrier was involved in a collision with a merchant vessel near Port Said, Egypt, leading to damage to both crafts. Additionally, in December, an F/A-18 Super Hornet was downed by the U.S.S. Gettysburg, an accompanying guided-missile cruiser, though the pilots were safely recovered in that case as well.
