F/A-18E Super Hornet Falls Overboard from U.S. Carrier in the Red Sea

A U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet was lost overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier during towing operations in the Red Sea on April 28, 2025. The incident occurred when the jet, along with its tow tractor, fell into the sea after losing control during movement on the hangar deck.

No pilot was onboard at the time, and all personnel were accounted for. One sailor sustained minor injuries. The aircraft, valued at around $60 million, was part of the carrier’s ongoing deployment in support of U.S. operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Truman has been launching daily airstrikes since mid-March in response to Houthi attacks on shipping routes.

This marks the second Super Hornet lost during the Truman’s current mission. An earlier friendly fire incident in December 2024 also resulted in the downing of another F/A-18E.

Despite the loss, U.S. Navy officials confirmed that the Truman and its strike group remain fully operational. An investigation into the mishap is currently underway.

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