Overview

• A second F/A-18 Super Hornet fell into the Red Sea on May 6 after its tail hook failed to catch the arresting wire during landing on the USS Harry S. Truman.
• Both aviators aboard safely ejected and were recovered with minor injuries; no injuries were reported among flight deck personnel.
• This marks the second jet lost from the Truman in just over a week, following an April 28 incident where another F/A-18E and a tow tractor went overboard during towing operations.
• The Navy has launched an investigation into the latest mishap, which adds to a series of operational issues during the carrier’s deployment, including a February collision and a December friendly-fire incident.
• Separately, Houthi rebels reportedly fired on the Truman during the same period, despite a ceasefire announcement by President Trump hours earlier.