U.S. Loses Second F/A-18 Super Hornet in Red Sea in 10 Days, Third Since Deployment Began

An F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet crashed into the Red Sea while attempting to land on the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier.

CNN reported on this.

The incident occurred due to a failure of the arresting gear system: the aircraft was unable to stop on the deck and slid off its edge.

Both pilots ejected in time and were rescued by an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter. Their lives are not in danger.

This is already the second non-combat loss of a Super Hornet fighter jet from the USS Harry S. Truman’s air wing during the current deployment in the Red Sea — and the third overall.

The previous incident took place on April 28, when another F/A-18E Super Hornet, along with a tow tractor, fell into the sea after control was lost during movement on the deck. One sailor sustained minor injuries. The lost aircraft was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 136.

The USS Harry S. Truman is participating in Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea, which aims to protect civilian shipping from Houthi attacks. During this mission, the aircraft carrier has already suffered losses of carrier-based aircraft.

At the end of 2024, reports emerged that the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG-64), part of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, had accidentally downed an F/A-18F Super Hornet during a routine flight over the Red Sea.

The aircraft, a two-seat version of the Super Hornet, was specifically designed for air defense operations within carrier strike groups. It plays a key role in providing aerial protection and conducting extended patrol missions.

In a separate incident earlier that year, the USS Harry S. Truman was involved in a minor collision with the Besiktas-M bulk carrier. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although the aircraft carrier’s hull sustained some damage.