The USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier encountered a series of unfortunate incidents that led to the loss of two fighter jets in the Red Sea within a 10-day period.
According to The Western Journal, the latest mishap occurred on Tuesday when an F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet ended up in the Red Sea after a failed landing attempt, marking the second loss of an aircraft for the carrier in less than two weeks.
The incident resulted in minor injuries to both pilots aboard the Super Hornet after they were forced to eject from the aircraft. The unsuccessful landing was attributed to an arrestment failure, which involves the mechanism designed to slow down carrier-based planes using a cable that catches a hook attached to the fighter jet.
Recent series of mishaps plague USS Truman
The Navy's string of misfortunes began on April 28 when another Super Hornet was lost overboard while being towed in the carrier's hangar bay. This incident occurred as the ship took evasive action during an attack by Yemen-based Houthi rebels, resulting in both the tow tractor and the aircraft going into the sea.
These recent losses add to a concerning pattern of incidents involving F/A-18 aircraft. In December, the USS Gettysburg mistakenly shot down another F/A-18, forcing both crew members to eject from the plane.
The USS Truman's challenges extended beyond aircraft losses when it collided with a merchant vessel near the Suez Canal in February, further highlighting the operational difficulties faced by the carrier in the region.
Financial impact of fighter jet losses
The loss of military aircraft represents a significant financial burden for the U.S. Navy. Each F/A-18 fighter jet costs between $60 million and $70 million, depending on its specific configuration.
Pentagon representative Sean Parnell addressed speculation about the latest incident by confirming that the plane "was not struck by the Houthis." This clarification was necessary given the ongoing tensions in the region.
Neither of the jets lost in the recent accidents has been recovered from the Red Sea, adding to the permanent nature of these losses for the Navy's fleet.
Successful rescue operations amid setbacks
During Tuesday's incident, the Navy's emergency response protocols proved effective. A helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 11 successfully rescued both aviators after their ejection.
According to unnamed officials cited in the report, the flight deck crew escaped the incident without injury, demonstrating the effectiveness of safety protocols during aircraft emergencies.
The quick response of rescue teams highlights the Navy's preparedness for such incidents, even as they work to prevent future occurrences.
Naval operations continue despite challenges
The USS Harry S. Truman continues to maintain its presence in the Red Sea despite these setbacks. The carrier's operations remain crucial for regional security and military readiness.
These incidents have prompted increased attention to safety protocols and landing procedures on aircraft carriers. The Navy's focus remains on preventing future accidents while maintaining operational capabilities. The string of mishaps raises questions about maintenance procedures and operational safety measures aboard aircraft carriers, particularly in high-stress combat zones.
Significant losses impact naval readiness
The USS Harry S. Truman's recent misfortunes have resulted in the loss of two F/A-18E Super Hornets within a 10-day period in the Red Sea, with both incidents involving different circumstances but similar outcomes. The financial impact exceeds $120 million in aircraft losses alone, while the Navy continues to investigate the causes of these incidents to prevent future occurrences and maintain operational readiness in the strategically important Red Sea region.
