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

On April 28, 2025, 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. The incident occurred when the jet, along with its tow tractor, lost control and fell into the sea while being moved on the hangar deck.

At the time, no pilot was aboard, and all personnel were accounted for. One sailor sustained minor injuries. The aircraft, valued at approximately $60 million, was part of the carrier’s deployment supporting U.S. operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The USS Harry S. Truman has been conducting daily airstrikes since mid-March in retaliation for Houthi attacks on critical shipping routes.

This marks the second F/A-18E Super Hornet loss during the Truman’s current mission, following an earlier friendly fire incident in December 2024 that downed another jet.

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

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