The US Navy released its investigation report on December 4, 2025, detailing the loss of three F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman during its Middle East deployment from September 2024 to June 2025. The jets were lost due to friendly fire, equipment failure, and an evasive maneuver during intense combat operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The December 2024 Friendly Fire Incident
On December 22, 2024, an F/A-18F Super Hornet was accidentally shot down by the USS Gettysburg over the Red Sea. The Navy investigation found that gaps in training, coordination, and force support across the Carrier Strike Group led to the misidentification of the aircraft.
Super Hornets from the USS Harry S. Truman conducted strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen while USS Gettysburg operated near the carrier. The Gettysburg’s commander mistakenly identified the fighters as anti-ship cruise missiles and ordered his crew to fire two SM-2 missiles without further verification. The crew of the first Super Hornet ejected before it was hit, and the second jet evaded destruction when the missile was deactivated.
The commanding officer of USS Gettysburg was relieved of command following the incident.
April 28, 2025: Lost Overboard During Evasive Maneuver
On April 28, 2025, a towing tractor and attached F/A-18E Super Hornet slipped off the carrier and sank into the Red Sea. The aircraft was being towed inside the hangar bay when the carrier made a hard turn to evade an incoming Houthi ballistic missile.
Initial reports indicated the USS Harry S. Truman performed the evasive maneuver after Houthi rebels launched a missile and drone attack on the carrier group. The Navy investigation cited brake failure worsened by poor coordination between bridge, flight deck, and hangar control. The investigation also noted that the hangar bay’s non-skid coating was insufficient, making the deck slippery.
One sailor sustained minor injuries in the incident.
May 6, 2025: Arresting Wire Failure
On May 6, 2025, an F/A-18F Super Hornet was lost when the carrier’s arresting wire failed to catch the aircraft during landing. Witnesses reported a loud explosion and saw sparks and flames as the jet went overboard.
Below deck, the crosshead ejected from the sheave damper in what the Navy described as an “entirely preventable” mishap. The incident caused minor injuries to crew members, the loss of a $60 million Super Hornet, and over $207,000 in repairs.
The Navy investigation stated the mishap was “entirely preventable had the commanding officer and air department simply complied with the requirements of the aircraft launch and recovery equipment maintenance program.”
The Collision with a Merchant Vessel
On February 12, 2025, USS Harry S. Truman collided with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M near Port Said, Egypt. The Navy deemed the collision avoidable and relieved the commanding officer.
The Deployment Context
The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group was deployed for 251 days to secure international shipping lines in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks. The carrier group fired over 1.1 million pounds of ordnance during what was described as one of the most combat-intensive US Navy deployments in decades.
No personnel were killed during any of the incidents, though the losses highlighted serious failures in leadership, training, and equipment management.
“Despite the challenges, the Sailors of the Harry S. Truman Strike Group demonstrated adaptability, professionalism, and complete commitment to the mission throughout the deployment,” Admiral Jim Kilby, vice chief of naval operations, said in a statement.
The Navy stated that appropriate accountability measures have been implemented to address the incidents.
