A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet was lost at sea following a sudden maneuver by the USS Harry S. Truman. The ship made this move to avoid a missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The maneuver caused the fighter jet and a tow vehicle to slide off the carrier’s deck and fall into the sea.
Military officials confirmed the incident, though neither the jet nor the tow vehicle could be recovered. Thankfully, the crew aboard the jet and vehicle managed to escape by jumping into the sea in time.
An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the accident. However, results have not yet been shared publicly. Given the nature of naval operations in conflict zones like the Red Sea, the account of this event seems plausible.
$70 Million Loss
The F/A-18 Hornet lost in the incident is valued at around $70 million. This adds to the growing concern over the safety and operational risks associated with military actions in volatile regions. The jet was on board the USS Harry S. Truman when it slipped off the deck, as the ship performed evasive maneuvers.
The crew of the aircraft and vehicle were lucky to escape without injury. Still, the loss of both military assets highlights the dangers of operations in these unpredictable areas.
Series of Setbacks for the USS Harry S. Truman
This incident follows a string of mishaps involving the USS Harry S. Truman. Earlier this year, in February, the aircraft carrier collided with a commercial ship in the Mediterranean Sea. The crash caused damage to several important sections of the ship, including storage areas and the rear deck.
The collision forced the ship to dock in Greece for emergency repairs. This was one of several complications that have surrounded the USS Harry S. Truman in recent months. The ship, however, returned to full service after repairs.
Additionally, the USS Harry S. Truman has been involved in operations targeting Houthi positions in Yemen. These operations have been part of a broader military effort in the region, which has included airstrikes and other strategic moves.
Security Breach Involving Sensitive Information
In a separate incident, classified information about these strikes was shared in private messaging groups. The information reportedly reached journalists and even family members of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The leak of such sensitive data raised serious concerns about security within the military’s communication channels.
This incident, along with the recent accidents, has raised questions about the safety of naval operations in the region. The U.S. Navy has yet to comment on the ongoing investigations into both the leak and the mishap.
Growing Scrutiny Over U.S. Naval Operations
The recent loss of the F/A-18 and the series of setbacks involving the USS Harry S. Truman have only added to the scrutiny of U.S. naval operations in the region. The ongoing conflict in Yemen, combined with the volatility of the Red Sea, has made military operations increasingly dangerous.
U.S. Navy officials have assured the public that they are investigating the incident thoroughly. The U.S. military continues to carry out critical operations in the region, despite the rising risks. However, with these setbacks, questions about the future of military engagement in the region remain unanswered.