Overview
- An F/A-18F Super Hornet fell into the Red Sea on May 6, 2025, after an arrestment failure during landing; both aviators ejected safely with minor injuries.
- This is the second fighter jet lost from the USS Harry S. Truman in just over a week, following an April 28 incident involving another F/A-18E and a tow tractor.
- The Navy has launched investigations into the arrestment system failure and towing procedures after repeated incidents during the Truman's extended deployment.
- The aircraft carrier has been operating in the Red Sea since September 2024, supporting U.S. airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels and protecting commercial shipping routes.
- The latest incident coincided with reports of Houthi fire on the Truman, despite a ceasefire announced earlier that day by President Donald Trump.