Overview
- Four investigations released Thursday detail avoidable incidents from December 2024 to May 2025 linked to training shortfalls, equipment problems, substandard maintenance and human error under combat stress.
- A Feb. 12 collision with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M near Port Said was deemed avoidable, narrowly missed berthing spaces with 120 sleeping sailors, and led to the relief of the carrier’s commanding officer, Capt. Dave Snowden.
- In a Dec. 22 friendly-fire episode, the cruiser USS Gettysburg fired on two F/A-18s from Truman, downing one, with investigators calling the commanding officer’s decision to engage neither reasonable nor prudent.
- An April 28 evasive maneuver to counter a Houthi missile threat sent an F/A-18 and a tow tractor overboard as failed brakes and poor communication compounded the sharp turn; on May 6 another jet was lost when arresting gear failed due to maintenance shortcomings.
- Investigators cited high operational tempo during Operation Rough Rider, including 52 days of near-continuous flight operations and more than 1,000 strikes, with combined losses and damage estimated at about $164 million and disciplinary details largely redacted.