An F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet fell overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman into the Red Sea on Monday, resulting in a staggering $56 million loss. The accident occurred while the jet was being towed out of a hangar and the tow tractor lost control, Navy officials confirmed.
Initial reports suggest a sudden shift of the carrier, potentially due to a nearby Houthi attack, may have contributed to the mishap. Both the tractor crew and the aircraft operator jumped to safety before the jet plunged into the sea, although one sailor sustained a minor injury.
The Navy stated that the incident happened as the Truman was operating in the Red Sea, an area that has seen increased hostilities from Yemen-based Houthi terrorists attacking commercial shipping vessels. The Truman’s deployment had already been extended by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amid escalating tensions in the region.
The lost aircraft was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 136. An official investigation has been launched to determine the precise cause and to prevent future incidents.
The embarrassing loss highlights concerns over operational readiness and safety procedures, especially as U.S. forces face rising threats in the Middle East. The Truman was initially scheduled to return home last month but remains deployed to maintain a strong U.S. naval presence against Houthi aggression.
