Red Sea – A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet, operating from the USS Harry S. Truman, has crashed into the Red Sea, marking the second incident involving the carrier in just over a week. Reports indicate that the aircraft encountered difficulties while attempting to land, leading to an ejection of its crew, who were subsequently rescued with minor injuries.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with preliminary details suggesting a failure in arrestment during landing. Fortunately, both the pilot and the weapons systems officer are alive following their successful ejection. However, the aircraft itself was lost to the sea and has not yet been located.

In a separate but concerning incident, the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group reportedly fired upon the USS Harry S. Truman just days after a ceasefire announcement by President Donald Trump. It remains unclear if there is any connection between the two events, heightening tensions in the region.

The U.S. Department of Defense has referred inquiries about the incidents to the Navy and U.S. Central Command, both of which are currently assessing the situation. With Navy officials tight-lipped, further comments have yet to be made as details unfold.

This latest loss comes shortly after another F/A-18 from the same carrier fell overboard. Initial reports suggested that evasive maneuvers taken to avoid Houthi fire may have contributed to that incident. Each Super Hornet jet is valued at over $60 million, underscoring the significant impact of these losses.

Naval operations in the Red Sea have faced increased risk since the Houthis escalated attacks on maritime vessels in late 2023. Earlier this year, U.S. Navy destroyers had to rely on defensive weapon systems as Houthi missile strikes approached within dangerously close proximity.

This operational peril has been particularly evident for the Truman, which has a troubling operational history. In December, an F/A-18 was accidentally fired upon by a U.S. destroyer and crashed into the Red Sea, although both pilots escaped unharmed. Furthermore, the carrier experienced a collision with a merchant ship near Egypt this past February that led to the relief of its commanding officer, highlighting ongoing operational challenges.

As the investigation proceeds, the U.S. Navy continues to navigate escalating risks while maintaining its presence in the strategically critical waters of the Red Sea.