A US Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet worth approximately $60 million was lost at sea Monday after falling overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier during operations in the Red Sea.
The incident occurred when sailors were towing the aircraft in the carrier's hangar bay, located beneath the flight deck. According to Navy officials, the move crew lost control of the fighter jet during a "hard turn" maneuver by the carrier. Both the aircraft and the towing tractor plunged into the waters of the Red Sea.
Quick action by the towing crew helped avoid potential casualties as they managed to clear the area before the aircraft fell overboard. One sailor sustained minor injuries during the incident.
The lost Super Hornet belonged to Strike Fighter Squadron 136, which is part of the air wing deployed aboard USS Truman. The carrier strike group is currently conducting operations against Houthi forces in Yemen, launching daily airstrikes as part of a broader military campaign that began on March 15.
This marks the second F/A-18 Super Hornet loss for the Truman strike group during its Red Sea deployment. In December, another Super Hornet was accidentally shot down by the USS Gettysburg cruiser in what was described as a friendly fire incident.
The Navy confirmed that despite the loss, "The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and embarked air wing remain fully mission capable." Officials have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The mishap adds to recent challenges faced by the USS Truman, which includes a February collision with a merchant vessel near Egypt's Port Said that resulted in hull damage and the subsequent removal of its commanding officer.